September 21 - World Alzheimer's Day
By: Irene Gonzalez, LSW
According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Dementia and 1 in 3 older adults will die due to Alzheimer’s or other Dementia related disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Alzheimer's disease is a brain condition, similar to how coronary artery disease affects the heart. It happens when nerve cells (neurons) in the brain become damaged. Neurons are crucial for all human activities, like thinking, speaking, and moving. It is said that symptoms can begin as early as 20 years prior to memory loss or when symptoms develop.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific type of Dementia and it is a progressive illness. Over time, neurons can become damaged, affecting parts of the brain. As time goes on, the brain significantly shrinks, impacting almost all of its functions.
Although medications are available to slow down the progression of the disease, there currently isn't a cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Over 55 million people around the world live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and with the severe impact it has on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems, research centers around the world are continuously prioritizing efforts to find ways to prevent, slow down, better manage, and cure these diseases.
*Nearly 40% of Alzheimer's and other dementias can be prevented or delayed. Risk reduction includes several ways to improve brain health:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure
Prevent and Correct Hearing Loss
Find support to Maintain Emotional Health
Try to Limit or Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Quit Smoking
To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and how it may affect you or your loved one, talk to your healthcare provider. Early intervention is the best opportunity to take a course of action and plan for the future ahead.
Reference
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. In Alzheimers Dement (Vols. 20–5). https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
*Recognizing symptoms of dementia and seeking help | Aging. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/dementia-not-normal-aging.html
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