Alzheimer and Brain Awareness Month is observed each year in June. During this month, people worldwide work together to help raise Alzheimer’s awareness and show support for those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. This month, people also take time to recognize and appreciate caregivers for their ongoing support towards those living with Alzheimer’s and brain diseases.
The aim is to make as many people aware of the condition and how it affects those living with it. That way, the information will also inspire many people to take action.
Statistics show that every three seconds, a person develops dementia somewhere in the world. As a result, about 50 million individuals live with Alzheimer’s and brain disease in the world. What’s even more worrying is that doctors expect the number to double by the year 2050. Therefore every one must take part in Alzheimer’s awareness programs during the awareness month.
The History of Alzheimer and Brain Awareness Month
President Ronald Reagan first brought about the idea of Alzheimer’s awareness month in 1983. In those years, there were only about two million diagnosed cases of the disease in America. That number has since risen tremendously to this day.
After finding out how Alzheimer’s and brain disease affects those living with it and their caregivers, who in most cases are family members, the President concluded that it was necessary to run awareness campaigns that would educate people about the disease. This included making people aware of how Alzheimer’s and brain disease impacts families. He understood how emotionally taxing it is for families to watch their loved ones slowly fade away from them.
Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia
Dementia is a brain disease that damages brain sections that regulate thought, memory, and language. There are several forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common.
Generally, Alzheimer’s is a disease that is associated with aging. However, the disease is not a part of the natural processes. Many of the individuals with Alzheimer’s are 65 years or older. It is important to note that younger people can also develop the condition while it’s not common.
When raising awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial to educate people about how the disease progresses and how many people are currently living with it worldwide. Read on to find out a few facts about Alzheimer’s that everyone must be aware of as we enter Alzheimer and Brain Awareness Month.
Many people, especially seniors, living with Alzheimer’s are not aware that they have it. Some of the earlier signs of the condition include speech impediment. The person will be having difficulties finding the correct words during conversations. They will also display some behavioral anomalies and failure to carry out regular daily tasks like dressing.
Data from the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that most doctors who note these signs do not inform their patients that they might be developing dementia or have it already. Statistics show that only 45% are made aware that they have the condition. As a result, it becomes impossible for the rest of them to receive the treatment they need.
Dementia is Increasingly Affecting More People Each Year
Each year, more and more people develop dementia. The already high figure of people living with the condition is quite worrying. Statistics expect that the number of people living with dementia will most likely double by the year 2050.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Disease Contributes to Early Death
One of the most challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s disease is that it can lead to a situation where daily tasks are difficult or almost impossible to carry out. The condition causes memory loss, making once auto-pilot tasks intangible for patients. Apart from that, many people are not aware that Alzheimer’s is among the top six causes of death in the United States.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the condition. There are not any sure-fire ways of slowing down or preventing the disease.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Many other illnesses have memory loss as a symptom besides Alzheimer’s. Apart from conditions, when a person ages, misplacing items and forgetting names are common everyday annoyances. Let’s compare symptoms:
Age-Related Non-Alzheimer’s Symptoms
- Cataracts and failure to see properly
- Occasionally failing to identify what day of the week it is
- Making financial errors frequently
- Failure to undertake and complete complicated routine tasks
- Difficulties finding the right words to say,
- Constantly forgetting people’s names and appointments.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Finding it difficult to plan and solve common problems
- Getting confused with dates, seasons, and passage of time
- Failure to carry out ordinary daily tasks
- Losing memories
- Inability to speak fluently, repetitiveness during conversations, and failing to write correctly
- Difficulties understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
How Can You Assist Individuals Living With Alzheimer’s Disease?
Currently, there is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer’s. It is impossible to slow down the progression of the disease once it starts. However, patients can use certain drugs to manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
One way to help someone living with Alzheimer’s is to control their surroundings. Familiarity will help them live a more comfortable life. Take a look at the following ways to help:
Avoid Overstimulation
Apart from controlling their visual and auditory surroundings, you must not initiate complicated conversations. Try to present the person with one idea at a time. Simplicity will help them focus and concentrate on one thing.
Reassure them Frequently
When living with someone with dementia, your main aim should be to keep them safe and comfortable. Even something as simple as telling them that they are safe with you can go a long way.
Avoid Arguments and Yelling at Them
It can be hard living with someone with Alzheimer’s. However, it would help if you remembered that they are likely even more frustrated than you. They do not understand what is taking place, so you need to calm them down instead of making it worse.
Keep a Daily Routine
Establishing a routine is very important. Doing things haphazardly can lead to even more confusion. To make someone with Alzheimer’s more comfortable, try to do things predictably, so patients know what to expect.
Conclusion
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s can be a difficult task.
Have you taken care of a family member with dementia before? If you or your family member is displaying signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts has been helping patients with dementia for a long time, and we can give you all the information you need to care for someone with Alzheimer’s.
https://www.alzheimers.gov/alzheimers-dementias/alzheimers-disease
https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/dementia-alzheimers-disease