Melanie Thibodeau, from the Alzheimer’s Association provided the club with both foundational information along with the latest news in research. We currently have six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Did you know that women are twice as likely to contract the disease? Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of aging. The term dementia is actually an umbrella term for a set of symptoms, including loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Common diseases include: Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Huntington’s and Mixed Dementia. 70% of these dementia related conditions as of the Alzheimer’s type.
Can anything be done to prevent? YES- Research continues to point to exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, quit smoking, and protect your head. A “heart healthy” lifestyle is also a “brain healthy” lifestyle.
Eleven years ago the Alzheimer’s Association moved from chapters to serving under one umbrella. The 34/7 hotline is 800-272-3900. The Alzheimer’s association offers free education- on-line and in person. They have Community Resource finders along with specific groups to support individuals with targeted needs (i.e. LGBTQI, bereavement, respite care…). The Alzheimer’s Association is now a partner with AARP. The local Alzheimer’s Walk in Boulder will be held on October 7th. Melanie also mentioned Rotary International’s pledged commitment to support and raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. Thus far Rotary has raised $890K. Advocacy remains an essential need for both individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and their care givers. New mediations continue to be introduced, however, access can be difficult.