Today is World Alzheimer Awareness Day! Organizations dedicated to the cause all over the world will put together their efforts to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease and educate people on the facts about Alzheimer’s Disease. One organization in particular, Purple Elephant, strives to not only educate and inspire the youth to be the drivers of change, but also, provide in-home caregiving to individuals or families effected by the disease, and to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease by promoting brain health. Its goal is to make Alzheimer’s Disease a distant memory. Visit their website to see how you can Go Purple!
In addition to going purple, here are 5 facts about Alzheimers:
- Dementia is NOT the same as Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia is the umbrella term to describe diseases that affect the functions of the brain, and Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the diseases that fall under that umbrella. Approximately 44 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s.
- Alzheimer’s Disease can be life threatening. In the earlier stages of the disease, most people suffer mainly from forgetfulness, but as it progresses, people begin to lose their mobility and become more susceptible to illnesses or infections such as Pneumonia, Urinary tract infections, and skin infections. One of the leading causes of death in Alzheimer patients is Pneumonia.
- Younger people may also get Alzheimer’s Disease. Many associate Alzheimer’s Disease with older ages or a sign of getting old, but research shows that 5% of people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease often exhibit many of the symptoms before reaching the age of 65.
- Genes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s is caused by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect the brain over time.
- There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Currently, there are no cures for the disease, however, there are medications that claim to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. In order for a cure to be found there would need to be more clinical research.
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