November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November 2023

Since President Ronald Reagan made the designation in 1983, November has continued to be known as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Through the years, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s has grown to nearly seven million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s disease, the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, is a type of dementia that leads to memory, thinking and behavior loss. The symptoms of the disease progress over time, eventually leading to a person no longer being able to accomplish daily tasks. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are treatments that can slow down its progression.

Here are the top tips you should know to become more aware and help those with the disease.

Symptoms To Look For

Like other diseases, it is essential to know the symptoms to find the correct help and treatment for those involved. The symptoms include:

• Memory Loss – People may forget specific events or things they have learned. They may also ask the same question repeatedly.
• Trouble Solving Problems or Planning – It may take someone longer to complete tasks they used to do much quicker, or they may struggle to follow simple directions.
• Lost Track of Time or Place – A person with Alzheimer’s will often forget how they got somewhere and where they are. They will also lose track of time.
• Unable to Retrace Steps – When someone begins to lose track of time and place, they will misplace items and lose the ability to retrace their steps. They can no longer remember where they were to find items or where they put something.

How to Help Those with Alzheimer’s

There are multiple things you can do to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease, especially if the person is in the early stages of the disease.

• Establish a Daily Routine – Routines are essential in establishing what the person can expect to avoid confusion. People with Alzheimer’s love routines.
• Keep Things Simple – All interactions must be very simple, whether saying one thing at a time or presenting only one idea.
• Reassure Safety – Make sure the person feels safe and secure. Tell them often how safe they are with you to keep them at ease.
• Stay Calm – Never let your frustrations boil over into a yelling match or argument. Imagine how the patient feels without the ability to grasp time or place.

How to Support the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Memory walks, as they are often called, are crucial in uniting communities to support those affected by this devastating condition. By walking together, we honor the memories of loved ones while fostering hope for a future without Alzheimer’s.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, click here. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with everything at Leakesville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.