Alzheimer's Awareness and You
Dear Caregivers,
In truth, I wish that Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, which takes place during June, could be every month. Certainly, that’s the case for caregivers of the 55 million loved ones worldwide who are living with Alzheimer’s.
But then again, the world is a busy and distracting place, so I am grateful when vital information on this disease is given a spotlight to catch our attention.
Led by the Alzheimer’s Association with international participation, the Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month has the goals of:
Raising awareness about the disease, and how it is more than just part of “old age”
Promoting brain health through lifestyle choices, particularly exercise, sleep, and eating a “brain friendly" diet
Honoring people who suffer from the disease by wearing purple and attending “Go Purple” events.
Raising funds to support research
Encouraging newly diagnosed patients to seek resources — such a NAN! — for help
Also, on June 24th, PBS will air the documentary "Caregiving," highlighting the need for support for caregivers helping individuals facing dementia as well as other chronic health conditions.
Ask your NAN Navigator for resources and events in your area. And I’ll be wearing purple in your honor!
Here are some more resources on Alzheimer’s:
Understanding Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia:
While every person has a unique path through the illness, and each person progresses at a different speed, there are some common symptoms. The collection of symptoms has been grouped into stages to describe the degree of disease progression. Here's an overview.
Understanding the Emotional Changes of Alzheimer’s Disease:
To fully understand how Alzheimer's disease impacts an individual's emotions, we need to understand what parts of the brain Alzheimer's affects and what parts it does not. That imbalance leads to common emotional symptoms, including depression and apathy, anxiety, fear, and agitation. The ability to feel fear and anxiety, along with an inability to control the emotional response, creates a potential for exaggerated emotional responses or unexpected upset. Here's what you should know.
The Mind Diet: Meal Planning to Fuel the Brain:
The MIND diet is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Here's a guide.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“The first step toward change is awareness.”
— Nathaniel Branden
