Tag Archives: dementia

Hot off the press! Alzheimer’s Association 2015 Facts and Figures

26 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, ALZ Assn - National, Facts & Figures, Washington

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Source: Alzheimer's Association

Source: Alzheimer’s Association

The 2015 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report was released this week, just as over 1,000 advocates stormed Capitol Hill at the annual Advocacy Forum.

It’s a reminder that we must keep at it, we must continue to speak out and encourage others to do the same.

In his testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging this week, Dr. Ronald Petersen, Director of Alzheimer’s Research at the Mayo Clinic, had this to say:

“From a public health perspective, we cannot wait until individuals become symptomatic; we must address the earliest biologic underpinnings of the disease.”

He went on to tell Senators that researchers are “on the precipice” of finding ways to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or slow its progress once it takes hold of the brain.

Read more about Dr. Petersen’s testimony in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article and watch this (less than) 2-minute long video to learn more.

Did you know….

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, ALZ Assn - National, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Facts & Figures, Helpful Resources, Round Up, Tips, USAgainstAlzheimer's

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  • An estimated 200,000 of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s are under the age of 65. Many are in their 40s and 50s.
  • When you donate to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 100 percent of funds of your gift goes directly to research. The organization’s founders cover all overhead expenses.
  • The Longest Day is June 21st and it’s not too early to start planning a dawn to dusk activity to honor your loved one and raise Alzheimer’s awareness!
  • A comprehensive list of helpful resources is just a click away!  -> Resources
  • The Alzheimer’s Association publishes a comprehensive Facts & Figures Report annually. Check it out to learn more.
  • You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard to make your voice heard! Simply dial 202-224-3121 and ask for your member of Congress and/or Senators. For each office, give your name, explain that you’re a constituent and an Alzheimer’s advocate, and ask to speak with the Health Legislative Assistant. If that person is not available, ask to leave a message. Share your personal story and explain why you feel it’s critical that they support increased funding for Alzheimer’s.

 

Fog: It’s Not Just a Weather Condition

15 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, Caregivers, Early Onset, Expectations, Face of Alzheimer's, Helpful Resources, Mom, Reblog

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A brilliant piece by Brian LeBlanc, who is living with young onset Alzheimer’s. When I think back to my mom in terms of what Brian is describing, it all makes sense. The moments of clarity. The fog rolling in and out. Never knowing when it will come or go. Thank you, Brian, for helping us understand, because understanding makes us better caregivers.

A Bit of Brian's Brilliance's avatarA Bit of Brian's Brilliance

I’m frequently asked, “how have you been” or “how are you feeling?” or “how was your day?” My most frequent response is “a little foggy.”

In an effort to help everyone understand what I am trying to say, I consulted www.merriam-webster.com and looked up fog. This is what I found:

nounˈfȯg, fäg

: many small drops of water floating in the air above the ground, the sea, etc.

: a state of mental confusion

The second definition, as you may have guessed, is the one that I refer to.

To give you an example, imagine driving down the road. Fog has set in and visibility is obstructed. You can’t see much, you’re cautious of your surroundings because of the dense fog. All of a sudden, you break through to a clearing. You can see all around you. Your vision is clear and you can proceed as…

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