Alzheimer’s is a mental disease that causes memory loss. It is mainly caused by old age and is considered to be the main cause of dementia. Three decades ago, an estimated population of 2 million people were affected by this disease. Today, a staggering 5.4 million people suffer silently. Alzheimer is considered to be the sixth deadliest disease in America today. Every year, almost 20,000 people die from this disease. Due to its incurable nature, it is considered to be amongst the top ten diseases that cannot be prevented or slowed down.
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month:
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is a full month dedicated to spreading awareness of the disease. The National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month first started in 1983 by president Ronald Regan who designated November as the month of it’s observance. With “Go Purple with a Purpose” as the theme, this month is celebrated nationwide. Thanks to the generous caregivers, this month is still celebrated today.
The Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is at the fore front of creating awareness of the disease. The organization conducts awareness seminars all over the nation. These seminars are accompanied with classes and workshops on how to care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The epitome of these celebrations is the Walk to end Alzheimer’s which is a nationwide affair and is conducted in every major city. The 2015 Houston Walk to End Alzheimer’s is on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Apart from all these events, money is collected from all well wishers in support of the elderly with the disease.
The main aim of celebrating the National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is to let people know about the disease in detail. People should know of the facts and symptoms of the disease that is killing at a terrifying rate in the country. Due to the increasing rate of Alzheimer’s disease patients, the government cannot fund for all the expenses needed for taking care of these patients alone. Therefore, many memory care centers entirely depend on well wishers and volunteers to donate money and even time in order to make the patients comfortable. Let’s join hands and participate in the awareness campaign.
