Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for the symptoms of memory loss and personality changes that are severe enough to interrupt daily life. While 60-80% of dementia cases are attributed to Alzheimer’s, there are a range of dementias including vascular dementia, mixed dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
The video below shows some of the facts and figures about this progressive disease. Most notably, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and is the only cause in the top ten that cannot be stopped, cured, or even slowed down. Alzheimer’s impacts a great number of individuals in addition to the patients. There are nearly 15 million caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia who have spent countless hours and dollars on medical expenses.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of resources for people who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease,including 24/7 hotline support, care consultations, and support groups. In addition, they raise money for research through year-round events including the Memory Ride and Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and promote awareness through educational workshops and advocacy opportunities.
The Alzheimer’s Association is not the only resource for help with this disease. Boston University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center (ADC) has been at the forefront of local research efforts, as one of 31 federally funded Alzheimer’s Disease Centers. The BU ADC’s mission includes efforts to further and improve research, clinical care, and education.
Both of these resources are critical in the continued fight against Alzheimer’s. Check out the following article about a local Boston father who has Alzheimer’s and the struggles his family faces to keep up with the disease. Heart-breaking stories like these are the reason we need to continue searching for treatments and cures:
http://articles.boston.com/2011-03-30/lifestyle/29362700_1_family-shoulders-disease-support-groups
People living with Alzheimer’s have a voice. Hear them express their thoughts below:
Living with Dementia: I’m still here:
