Jay Regallis, guest speaker for Rotarian Lindsey Baumgartner. Alzheimer's Disease
Thanks to guest speaker, Jay Regallis, the Orrville Rotary Club heard a very informative presentation about Alzheimer's and the Alzheimer's Association. Did you know that there are over 55 million people in the world with Alzheimer's, and over 11 million people are caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's. While those statistics are staggering, part of the reason that number is so high is that the disease is being diagnosed more frequently, and faster than ever before.
Jay has done a number of things for the Alzheimer's Association, but his current position allows him to educate the community, seek out volunteers, and partner/connect with families dealing with the disease. He has a passion for elderly care in particular, after having played his guitar and sang to a group of folks where his daughter worked many years ago. He now shares his passion for educating the public on what Alzheimer's looks like, how to decrease your risk/the onset of the disease, and how to get our loved ones help as quickly as possible once we recognize the signs.
In Wayne County, roughly 11% of the population battles Alzheimer's daily. The FDA has approved 2 drugs to combat the symptoms and work to slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, but scientists work hard every day to continually come up with new drugs and new ways to fight it. These drugs are designed to go into the brain, and through the blood brain barrier to get rid of two proteins that cause Alzheimer's. On top of medications, there are other ways to decrease your risk of the disease; that is by eating healthier, getting exercise, being socially, and consistently challenging your brain.
If you want to learn more about Alzheimer's, visit their website at alz.org or you can support their mission by getting involved in their Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 21st at the OARDC Arboretum.