It's National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month!
Go Purple with a Purpose is the theme behind the purple ribbon. This purple ribbon symbolizes National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as a time to remember and raise awareness. At that time, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s. Today, the number of people with the disease has soared to about 5.4 million.
Search for a Cause:
While scientists know Alzheimer’s disease involves progressive brain cell failure, the reason cells fail isn’t clear. Like other chronic conditions, experts believe that Alzheimer’s develops as a complex result of many factors rather than an overriding cause. Both age and genetics are risk factors, but many questions still remain.
Search for a Cure:
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease; although hope is on the horizon.
Researchers are looking for new ways to treat Alzheimer’s. Current drugs help mask the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Yet, do not treat the underlying disease or delay its progression. A breakthrough Alzheimer’s drug would treat the underlying disease. Furthermore, stop or delay the cell damage leading to the worsening of symptoms.
Treatments:
A healthy, active lifestyle focused on exercise, social interaction and nutrition definitely lends to a better quality of life. Although this does not mean you will not develop Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to check in with your physician to ensure any current medical conditions are well monitored. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are also contributors of memory impairment.
Although there has not been a new medication on the market for over 10 years now, we have learned that patients with this disease need to have a healthy social life. Additionally, engagement and social activities allow individuals to have a higher quality of life.
How Can You Get Involved?
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Contact the local Alzheimer’s Association to volunteer or donate
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Get information on clinical trials or research www.adrc.usc.org
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Join our support group here at Renaissance Village Rancho Belago
*Information gathered from the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) for this article.
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