Alzheimer’s is a life-threatening disease that destroys nerve cells and tissues in the brain, interfering with the individual’s ability to think, remember and plan things. Those with progressive brain disorder ultimately lose their ability to communicate, recognize family members and loved ones, and care for themselves. Alzheimer’s awareness month in June promotes a better understanding of the disease, its impact on patients and families, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
Purple is the color of Alzheimer’s awareness, and people can wear this Alzheimer’s support color to show their support. The awareness programs include educational and fundraising events that support research and care for those affected by the disease.
Compromised Health and Quality of Life for Alzheimer Patients
Alzheimer’s disease slowly affects brain function, leading to cognitive impairment (memory loss, language problems), behavioral and psychiatric disorders (delusions, agitation, depression, and decline in functional ability (ability to involve in activities of daily life and self-care). Those suffering from this progressive brain disorder gradually lose their ability to care for themselves and become dependent on others. While there is no cure for this neurodegenerative disorder, medications and interventions can help manage symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Medicinal treatment includes the use of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.
Show support to help end Alzheimer’s epidemic!
June is Alzheimer’s awareness month, an opportunity to understand the progressive brain disorder and purple is the Alzheimer’s awareness color. Anyone can be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to help a patient to address the growing problem of Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias. It is necessary to provide accurate information about symptoms, diagnosis, and disease progression.
Many organizations are available to support people affected by Alzheimer’s. Such organizations provide education programs, support groups, and care consultations to help families handle the challenges of the disease. Their websites offer information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, caregiving, and resources for research studies and clinical trials.
Promoting awareness and education about Alzheimer’s disease
While Alzheimer’s and some associated symptoms and disease characteristics are well known, many misconceptions remain. These misconceptions include memory loss or other symptoms of impairment are always a normal part of aging, that only the elderly develop this brain condition, or there are no effective treatment options for the disease. Also, because Alzheimer’s and related dementias are poorly understood, a stigma is often attached to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Research shows that stigma negatively influences individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, resulting in discrimination and rejection of the person with the disease. This stigma also leads to caregiver burden. Decreasing this stigma can help family members, friends, and caregivers prepare emotionally and physically for the disease.
Many research organizations support the importance of healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices that can enhance brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Other behavior messages target the importance of social engagement and participation in cognitive abilities such as reading and completing puzzles. Research organizations incorporate collaborations and partnerships to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias.
Promoting relevant information and available sources for families dealing with Alzheimer’s or associated dementias must also be incorporated into education campaigns and awareness programs. However, families often face difficulty accessing this information when required. Families may need to know about healthcare providers, homes and hospital services, long-term care, financial assistance and planning, caregiving roles and tasks, day-to-day management, and self-care.
Take the lead and partner with the Alzheimer’s support program!
Alzheimer’s awareness month is an opportunity to help end the Alzheimer’s epidemic and raise awareness of the brain disorder.
- Go purple this June: Start Alzheimer’s conversation in June; fix a day to decorate your office purple or ask employees to wear Alzheimer’s disease awareness color. One can raise awareness and advance Alzheimer’s care support by marketing purple products.
- Take part in fundraising events: Many of the employees, family, and friends who are living with the brain disorder or acting as a caregiver, or maybe Alzheimer’s patients. Several organizations host fundraising programs to support Alzheimer’s research and awareness efforts. Show your support by organizing fundraising events honouring those dealing with the disease. Wear Alzheimer’s support color, and participate in events such as walks, runs, and discussions to show support.
- Donate:This June, donate to an organization targeted at Alzheimer’s research and support programs that can fund research and help those suffering from the disease.
Alzheimer’s awareness month led to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease that devastates families worldwide. People can wear Alzheimer’s awareness color to show their love and supports toward patients and families dealing with Alzheimer’s.
