Forgetfulness is common with aging. But Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not considered normal. Almost 47 million people in the world have Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. During “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month”, researchers, doctors, nurses, and caregivers raise awareness and participate in events for this disease. With Alzheimer’s, it’s vital that you know the warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Throughout Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, educate others. More awareness surrounding the disease can lead to a greater emphasis on early detection.

Promoting Awareness – Getting to Know the Signs

What makes detecting Alzheimer’s difficult is that its early symptoms are often misconceived as regular memory loss issue that occurs in aging people. Identifying the common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia is the major key to early diagnosis, as well as treatment.

• These are just some of the warning signs that everyone should be aware of: Disruptive memory loss
• Difficulty solving problem
• Difficulty planning
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Vision problems
• Misplacing objects
• Poor judgment
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in mood and/or personality

Knowing these signs would help start an appropriate treatment plan. While there is no current cure available, an early diagnosis will  help curb at least some of the symptoms. It will also help them receive care, as well as the support needed to continue a healthy living.

With more awareness, more people will be less reluctant to visit the doctor when they start to experience symptoms. This is also due to the amount of misconceptions that are attached to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the duty of both of the caregivers and family members to identify these warning signs in their loved ones to help diagnose the disease as early as possible.

Caring for People with Alzheimer’s:

While it’s true that there are care facilities for the people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, several affected patients in the U.S. are cared for by their loved ones. It has been estimated that over 15 million people are providing unpaid care for their loved ones living with the disease and a majority of these caretakers are women. These caregivers are found to be spending over 18 billion hours in caring for people with dementia, which can be valued at more than $230 billion. Thus, it’s obvious that caring for a person with dementia is taking a toll on the caregivers, thereby, making support, resources, as well as respite care important. Having said this, being the responsible citizens of the country, people from all parts should take part in the fight against dementia.

Getting involved in the Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month:

In the fight against brain-related diseases, no one is alone. This month is a golden opportunity to join hands with other people in the fight. As such, there is more than one way to get involved in the event. Look below to learn about the options:

Going Purple with a Cause:

During the awareness month, millions of Americans would turn their social media profiles purple with an icon showing “END ALZ”. This is the simplest way to show anyone’s support for the event. In a step further, people can wear purple for their schools or offices and encourage their fellow students and co-staff to do the same on the Longest Day – June 20^th. It would be even better to have the break rooms and other common areas decorated in purple. Organizations can use purple streamers and balloons for this purpose. For the best results, people can consider posting facts about Alzheimer’s disease at the workplace to increase awareness. Boards with warning signs and information on how to become a healthy Alzheimer’s caregiver can also be posted.

Hosting an Event:

People like entertainment! So, it’s a good idea to put the mission of Alzheimer’s awareness into the forefront by arranging an event. During the event, the host can ask the guests to donate what they would spend on a night out on the town for the cause.

Participating in the Longest Day:

June 20^th marks the longest day of the year and during this time, people unite to honor those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

By actively participating in Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness, you will be making a huge difference. So, let’s unite to raise awareness for an important cause!