World Alzheimer’s Day

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, and we want to raise awareness regarding this multifaceted disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible disorder in which a person’s brain cells deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s usually occurs in individuals over 65, although younger-onset Alzheimer’s can appear in an individual as young as 30. Approximately 1 in 8 people that are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can cause memory loss, coordination issues, mood swings, disorientation, trouble focusing and a decline in reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s is ultimately a terminal illness, but it progresses at different rates in different individuals. This means that a person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can live anywhere from several years to several decades. Although this condition cannot be cured, treatment can help alleviate its symptoms and slow its progression. If a loved one starts showing possible signs of Alzheimer’s, the best option is to take them to see a doctor immediately and get the condition treated. The best way to fight Alzheimer’s is to be aware of its signs and to realize quickly if a loved one is experiencing symptoms. The earlier Alzheimer’s is found, the easier it is to treat and the smaller the likelihood that it will progress rapidly.