Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that affects nearly five million Americans. It was named after a German scientist who first described the disease. Alzheimer’s has many signs which vary by person but the most common early signs are forgetting times and dates enough that they affect your work and your lifestyle. Many people will have forgetful episodes and this is not necessarily signs of early onset. One of the myths of Alzheimer’s is that memory loss is part of the aging process. As we grow older our memory may not be as sharp, but researchers have found that sever memory loss is a sign of Alzheimer’s. As a our generation has become more sedentary the thought is that we are not challenging our brains enough to keep the synapses firing. This may be one explanation for the rise in reported cases and also that physicians and consumers are more educated on the disease and the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a serious disease and one that can lead to death as it affects your ability eat, walk, talk, and find your way home.
There are currently no cures for Alzheimers and charity events like the Memory Walk which is the largest event helps to raise funds and raises awareness about the disease. As awareness about the early onset has grown many people have been able to benefit from proper treatment to slow the progression of the disease. You can do your part by signing up as a Team Captain and gathering your friends and family to create a team and walk to raise money for research and a possible cure. If you have a family member that has been affected by the disease like I have you know the emotional toll it takes on the family. To someone you love not be able to recognize you is heart breaking and is something that is happening more and more across America. By volunteering just a few hours on the weekend to participate in the walk you will be helping those that you love and those that you will never meet.
This is a nationwide event and team captains are needed now to start forming teams and helping to create awareness and raise funds.