Posted November 26th, 2013
By Kris Powers
The holidays are a wonderful time to share family stories and memories. If we're honest with ourselves, some of us might be secretly dreading having to sit through another one of Uncle Bob’s “winter of 1966” tales. But for those with a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s, the loss of memory can be devastating, and many would give anything to hear their loved one share a story with them once again.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the facts are staggering. According to the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
- More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
~ 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia
~ In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided more than 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $216 billion.
~ Nearly 15% of caregivers for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia are long-distance caregivers.
~ In 2013, Alzheimer's will cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.
It is estimated that the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias will grow as the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to increase. According to the Alzheimer’s Organization, by 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million, barring medical breakthroughs that might prevent, slow, or stop the disease. About.com reports that for every person with Alzheimer's there is often at least one other person who directly cares for them as well as a host of healthcare & social workers, advocates, volunteers and support workers in the background. With so many people directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer's it’s wonderful that time in November is set aside to promote awareness.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) there are 10 warning signs and symptoms for Alzheimer’s. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
· Memory loss that disrupts daily life
· Challenges in planning or solving problems
· Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
· Confusion with time or place
· Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
· New problems with words in speaking or writing
· Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
· Decreased or poor judgment
· Withdrawal from work or social activities
· Changes in mood and personality
Deepen your understanding of these devastating illnesses with our ever-expanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia course library. Please visit our website at https://Ed4Career.com/ to learn more.
Ed4Career’s Current Alzheimer’s and Dementia Courses:
Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Disease: A Deeper Understanding
Alzheimer's Disease: Prevention
Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery
Alzheimer's: A Caregivers Guide
Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
Caring for Clients With Alzheimer's Disease
The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis
The Other Brain: From Dementia to Schizophrenia
Sources:
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp#signs
https://Ed4Career.com/course-list/alzheimer%27s-disease-%26-dementia
