In 1983 fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s, now, 35 short years later, the amount has more than doubled. Today, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. This National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, President Trump gave an encouraging speech to those who are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s and caregivers for those who are. [1]
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month first came to be when former President Ronald Reagon designated in 1983. It’s a month where awareness is raised of the disease.
Many times the signs of Alzheimer’s are ignored or the person suffering can’t or won’t get the help they need. It’s especially important to take the disease seriously even though it may just seem like part of the aging process. Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s memories, moods, speech, and behavior. There is no cure for the disease yet, and many people die every year from it. [2]
President Trump addressed National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month saying:
During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we acknowledge the efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease, which robs too many older Americans of their cherished memories, their independence, and ultimately their lives. We reaffirm our commitment to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, to end the suffering experienced by as many as 5.7 million Americans estimated to have this terrible illness, and to prevent it from affecting the millions more who may be diagnosed with it in the next 30 years. [3]
Things you can Do
There are ways you can help those suffering from Alzheimer’s though. You can become a caregiver if you think you’re cut out for it. You can go on walks or runs that are raising money for Alzheimer research and support. Or you can take the person you know to an Alzheimer support group.
Notes:
- ^Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. (2018). CO-Colorado. [online] Available at: https://alz.org/co [Accessed 1 Nov. 2018]. (go back ↩)
- ^The Kensington White Plains. (2018). November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month – Kensington. [online] Available at: https://thekensingtonwhiteplains.com/november-national-alzheimers-disease-awareness-month/ [Accessed 1 Nov. 2018]. (go back ↩)
- ^The White House. (2018). Presidential Message on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month | The White House. [online] Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/presidential-message-national-alzheimers-disease-awareness-month/ [Accessed 1 Nov. 2018]. (go back ↩)
