Today’s the last day of November, and I’d like to focus on one very important cause: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s affects millions of families throughout the world. How widespread is the disease? Let’s take a look at some shocking statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Association:
1. It’s estimated that 5.4 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease
2. Approximately 14.9 million people serve as unpaid caregivers to victims of Alzheimer’s
3. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia
4. One out of eight elderly Americans lives with Alzheimer’s
5. Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death for individuals 65 years and older
As you can see, Alzheimer’s disease has a major impact on people all over the world. But what exactly is it? The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that Alzheimer’s “is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time.” It impacts one’s memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, symptoms can become so severe that “individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.”
There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although treatment for symptoms exist. What’s most important is to raise awareness and continue research toward finding better ways to treat the illness, stall its onset, and prevent its development. Help stand against this disease by giving away Alzheimer’s awareness items; you can make a difference by supporting this worthwhile cause.
