November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive affliction that affects the sections of the brain that control thought, memory and speech.
Classified as the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's disease usually begins with bouts of memory loss, followed by an inability to comprehend and properly respond to stimuli in the outside world.
Although there's no concrete evidence of what causes Alzheimer's disease, research has indicated that factors such as a person's age, family history and specific health issues can increase the chances of getting this disease.
What are some facts about Alzheimer's disease?
- The symptoms of the disease can first appear after age 60 and the risk increases with age.
- Younger people may get Alzheimer's disease, but it is less common.
- The number of people living with the disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.
- The number of people with Alzheimer's disease is projected to nearly triple to 14 million by 2060.
What are some of the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?
- Trouble focusing
- Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
- Difficulty doing ordinary activities
- Feeling confused or frustrated, especially at night
- Dramatic mood swings, often outbursts of anger, anxiety and depression
- Feeling disoriented and getting lost easily
- Physical problems, such as an odd walk or poor coordination
- Trouble communicating
Can Alzheimer's Disease be treated?
According to the Alzheimer's Association, treatment for the disease can involve medications for memory and treatments for behavior and sleep changes. To learn more, click here.
How can I mark National Alzheimer's disease Month?
Wear something purple- Donate to an Alzheimer's disease-based charity
- Post a tribute to Alzheimer's caregivers on your social media pages
- Organize or take part in an Alzheimer's walk
- Contact your elected officials and encourage them to support Alzheimer's research
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, please visit the Alzheimer's Association at the following link: http://www.alz.org.
