About Alzheimer's

About Alzheimer's
Because of this ever-growing and currently unstoppable neurological epidemic on the horizon, I believe if you have the ability and means to help, then you have the responsibility and accountability to act, benefiting both you and the society in which you live.

Consider this. By 2020 the last of the US baby boomers will turn 65, meaning over 70 million people will be 65 or older and 31 million will by over 71 by the end of the decade. These aging boomers will form the kernel of the impending neurological epidemic. Now let’s go a step further.

Over five million people in the US now have Alzheimer’s. But 10 million people—the unpaid, unprofessional caregivers—are also sidelined with something they didn’t ask for or understand. And, tragically, this evergrowing caregiver group is something to few people want to acknowledge or talk about openly until victimized by the challenge of providing life support to a family member or friend. Remember this disease is different and cruel—not to the victims—but to the caregivers. Death doesn't come easy. Suffering can go on for a period ranging from three to five years. 

Deafening Silence
So let's add the numbers. Fifteen (15) million people—not counting the professional caregivers—are consumed by this disease. With a new AD victim diagnosed every 7 seconds, by 2020, I estimate that the idled population of fifteen million will grow to over 24 million. Isn’t that figure large enough to justify more media attention? Compared to the Swine Flu?—Even breast or prostate cancer?—Heart disease? Media silence is a deafening testimony to the slow progress of degenerative neurological diseases—they're not dramatic enough for headlines.

Health Care
But please consider this. The recent health care reform act will cost $940 Billion over 10 years. By 2050 the annual cost of Alzheimer’s to Medicare has been estimated by the National Institutes of Health and Aging to cost $1Trillion!—or 4 out of every 10 dollars spent on the program! There is no health care system in the world that can cope with this kind of challenge. The wrath of the US public against the recent changes is something I will never understand. But my own lack of understanding doesn’t matter. The changes in US health care that are emerging (and most will not take a effect until 2014) fall far short of meeting the known, short sited challenges we face let alone something like AD as the wave of boomers make their final passage.

Grassroots Awareness
While awareness is important, its cultivation at a grassroots level is vital. Without it change won’t happen. Witness how difficult something as simple as the need for health care form has been so difficult to enact. There are many ways to contribute and take part in this inevitable battle against neurological diseases that destroy all that makes us human.

Things you can do

1. Read the symptoms described in each stage of the disease.
2. Make an honest self-assessment. Talk about your feelings.
3. Talk to your family about potential impact of Alzheimer’s on their life NOW!
4. Develop a plan for custodial care.
5. Declare and document your end of life considerations.
6. Begin serious end-of-life discussions and share them with family members.
7. Keep socially connected and mentally act.
8. Drink coffee.
9. Consume fish—migrate toward a Mediterranean diet.
10. Take baby aspirin and exercise.
11. Control your blood pressure.
12. Take precautions to avoid head injuries and the avian flu.

I think each memory is like a child—an adventure into life—an opportunity to grow and become new. Oliver knew that memories are not forever. I believe he knew that before they stopped growing in his own brain. .

News & Developments

Village Books will host Gary Watson on Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Bellingham, Washington located in the old town Fairhaven district. The venue and specific information will be posted on their website soon.

Links

These Internet links are designed to provide our followers with quick access to information related to Alzheimer's Disease, efforts focused on prevention and treatment, its impact on our health care system, it's global reach and most of all ... on the plight of the 10 million upaid US caregivers providing care to the 5.3 million unpaid caregivers in the United States.

1. The Scripps Research Institute . A Leader and the world's largest independent non-profit biomedical research facility. Its easy to stay informed and receive updates on their advances by subscribing to their newsletter.

2. Alzheimer's Association . Their 2009 report, Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures is full of useful information. The report, which is a compendum of statistical information on the disease, includes a special report, which I highly recommend to all BABY BOOMERS (like me), dealing with Mild Cognitive and Impairment and early-stage Alzheimer's. For those interested in a 12 page executive summary go here.

3. Alliance for Aging Research. The Silver Book® is an almanac of data from more than 200 agencies, organizations, and experts. It is a searchable, interactive database that is constantly updated and expanded allowing users to both use and submit data.

4. Alzheimer's Disease Research Their news page is a good source of the latest medical updates.

5. The Alzheimer's blog on the Mayo Clinic website.

6. The Independence at Home (IAH) Act This Act (H.R. 2560, S. 1131) is currently part of the national healt care reform agenda. It is not specifically focused on Alzheimer's but the act aims to assist elderly Americans suffering from multiple chronic diseases by making health care more affordable and available where it is needed - which means at home by providing care using teams of home care providers and coordinators. The act proposes a pilot program to demonstrate cost savings, patient and caregiver satisfaction. Currently, Wyeth (now Pfizer) is the only pharmaceutical company listed as IAH endorser.