We all forget things once in awhile. Maybe you forgot to wish a friend “Happy Birthday” or you forgot to complete a homework assignment. Forgetting things is a part of life and it often occurs more frequently as people grow older. However, Alzheimer’s disease is very different from everyday forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s, most commonly known as dementia, is a disease that affects the brain and causes memory loss and other mental and emotional disabilities. Over time, the disease gradually worsens and makes it harder for an individual to remember how to complete simple tasks like tying a shoelace or answering a phone. Individuals may forget the names and faces of their friends and family, and maybe even their own name. A long term goal for many researchers is to find a cure to this sad and inconsolable disease.   

November has been designated as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we honor, support, and raise awareness for those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. According to a 2014 report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 5 million Americans were living with this disease that is now the 6th leading cause of death among U.S. adults. Chances are, you or someone you know has been impacted by this dreaded disease. In addition to raising awareness for those affected by the disease, we should keep in mind the importance of caregivers and all those who are willing to help those through the tough times. There are many ways that people can participate in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s. Sarah Stevenson, a spokesperson from A Place for Mom Organization, stated “One way to raise awareness is by participating in a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Communities all across the nation participate in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which aims to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.” All of the proceeds raised go directly towards the association and its mission to help support families that are affected by the disease. Following that, another way you can raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease is by joining in the ALZ Selfie Awareness Campaign. By joining the ALZ Selfie Awareness Campaign, people have the opportunity to express why ending Alzheimer’s is important to them. Participants are asked to post a picture of themselves on social media accounts holding up a sign saying “I want to #EndAlz because…”. The idea here is to keep the disease on the conscience of those who see these pictures and inspire others to become engaged in the cause.

Perhaps the most important way to approach the topic of Alzheimer’s Disease is by educating people how to better understand the disease and help remove the stigma associated with it. According to the National Institute on Aging, many people mistakenly believe that the disease afflicts only the elderly but each year thousands of Americans are diagnosed who are only in their 40s and 50s. Like many other diseases, early detection of Alzheimer’s can be beneficial. It can allow doctors and dementia services to form a treatment plan that may improve the quality of life for those who are suffering and their caregivers. Dementia patients may need to move to a senior living facility or an assisted living community to ensure that they receive the care and attention they need.

If you are interested in finding out more about this disease and ways you can help, please visit www.alz.org or www.alzheimers.gov as well as many other sites. You can help make a difference by challenging yourself and others to get involved in the cause.