June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. You may be thinking, I really don’t need to know about this disease. I’m young. My brain is sharp. I’m healthy.
While those facts may be true, awareness may be what extends your life down the road.
So, read on!
Just the Facts
With 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, you likely know and love someone who is fighting this degenerative brain disease.
In the time it takes to brush your teeth (about 65 seconds), another person develops the disease.
Most are diagnosed are in their 60’s and 70’s. However, some are diagnosed in their 40’s and 50’s with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. with 1 in 3 elderly patients dying from it.
The survival rate is between 8 and 20 years.
Most Important Known Risk Factor
Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors are the leading causes for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the National Institute on Aging, “Increasing age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. About one-third of all people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease.”
Risk factors include: cognitive decline; vascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure; and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Early detection matters. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Better Brain Health
No matter your age, the Alzheimer’s Association and the World Health Organization recommend these six ways to have better brain health.
Take a second and really look at each of them.
How are you doing? Could you make a few minor adjustments?
If so, you’re on your way to better brain heath!
Life Before and After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Laura celebrating after exercising
About three years ago, I met Laura. Her friends raved about how her spunky and fun personality would win me over in seconds. And they were not wrong!
They also shared Laura was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Both her mom and grandmother likely had Alzheimer’s, although neither were formally diagnosed. I shared her incredible overcomer story in February of 2017.
I’m sharing Laura’s story again HERE with the hope her journey sheds light about life before and after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She is the perfect example of how to keep fighting and living despite a challenging diagnosis.
I can assure you each time I check in with Laura, she is either socializing with her large network of friends, traveling with her partner to new places, and/or staying physically active.
THIS OVERCOMER HASN’T LET ALZHEIMER’S SLOW HER DOWN!
The Longest Day
On June 21 — the summer solstice — people across the world will participate in The Longest Day for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Their motto for this special day: “Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s.”
Around the world, people take part in fundraising activities on the Summer Solstice to spread awareness and to raise money to continue the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to conduct more research to learn more about this disease.
It’s easy to join! First, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website HERE. Then, chose the activity of your choice (see below) and register online! You can also invite others! Or you can also search for events in your area.
Activities can include:
- Exercise! Things like running, walking, cycling, yoga, swimming or hiking
- Sports! Go bowling, golfing, play soccer or tennis
- Games! Play card games or board games or put a puzzle together
- Social activities! BBQs are always fun during the summer or meet at a restaurant or throw a party
My best friend has Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed about two years ago. She went very fast and is in a deep depression. I miss her so badly. I plan to go visit her on that day. She is only 70 years old and her mother also got it at the same age.
I’m so sorry she went downhill fast. I love hearing you’re going to visit her on The Longest Day! Social interactions are so very important to those fighting Alzheimer’s disease.