We Need to be Aware and Prepared for Alzheimer's Disease

by E. Douglas Beach, Secretary, Dept. of Elderly Affairs

To mark November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, researchers, advocates and public officials across Florida will come together for a variety of recognition activities. These events are important reminders of the devastating effects this disease has on hundreds of thousands of Floridians and countless caregivers and loved ones.

As meaningful as this special month is, it seems clear that seniors and their loved ones fully recognize Alzheimer’s debilitating effects. As advocates for elders and their caregivers, we must make November more than a recognition month – it should also be a month of action.

As many as a half-million Floridians are currently afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Most Floridians enjoy planning for their future in the Sunshine State, but those affected by Alzheimer’s have to prepare themselves for the next memory lapse, the next bout of uncertainly or confusion. That is their reality each day, and it’s why it is so important that we take action to prevent and slow this disease in older Floridians.

{sidebar id=1}Studies have shown that a healthy and active lifestyle can protect bodies from many diseases. The mind is also able to defend itself by engaging in frequent social and intellectual stimulation. Dr. David Snowdon, one of the world’s leading experts on Alzheimer’s disease, was able to show that an active intellectual life may actually protect individuals from this disease and other forms of dementia.

To determine a clearer picture of how Alzheimer’s affects individuals, Dr. Snowdon studied almost 700 Catholic nuns and examined several time periods in each sister’s life. The results led the researchers to conclude that individuals who engaged in regular intellectual activity, even in their youth, were less likely to show the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. The need for social, intellectual and physical activity will become even more pronounced over the next few years as millions of baby boomers reach retirement age.

Although prevention is essential in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, we cannot overlook the seniors and their caregivers who are already struggling with it. Family caregivers for elders who have dementia often have additional concerns and stress about their loved one’s deteriorating status. Each caregiver’s brave and selfless actions increase the quality of life for the senior under his or her care. However, these caregivers also need respite so that they can continue to provide the highest quality of care.

This recognition month comes at the start of the holiday season, reminding us that now is the time to cherish the precious memories we have, even as we make new ones. On behalf of everyone here at the Department of Elder Affairs, I wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

This article originally published on November 15, 2008.

Click here to discuss this topic in our Online Discussion Forums.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments (submitted below) must include a valid first and last name.

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

Comments (0)

You must be logged in to post a comment.