Alzheimer's Club

We hope that someday soon a cure for Alzheimer's disease will be found so that future generations won't have to experience the heartache millions of Americans now know all too well. But until then, let each of us do our part to focus attention on the problem and to give generously to help fund the research that one day will lead to a cure.

"Chances are most people know someone who either has Alzheimer's disease or a family member who does.

Some with early stage Alzheimer's are able to go about their normal daily routine with little evidence of the progressive, degenerative disease which destroys parts of the brain that control memory, learning, communication and reason. Others, however, have advanced to the point they have experienced changes in their behavior and personality, as well as having their cognitive abilities impaired so that they no longer can adequately care for themselves and perhaps even fail to recognize their closest family members, including their spouse and children.

While those with advanced Alzheimer's may not be aware of the toll the disease has taken on them, their families, friends and loved ones are all too aware as they watch them slowly withdraw into themselves and become increasingly dependent on others for their every need.

Nationally, an estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alz-heimer's, including some 74,000 in Kentucky. Age is the greatest risk factor, and according to the National Institute on Aging, the percentage of people who develop Alzheimer's doubles for each five-year age group beyond 65, with nearly half of those over 85 affected. Estimates are that as many as 8.5 million Americans will develop the disease in the next few decades, with as many as 14 million Americans having it by 2050.

Sadly, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, or certain treatment, although researchers are learning more about what causes it and how to at least control its symptoms. Certainly that's critical if meaningful progress is to someday be made.

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month, an event first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. At the time, an estimated 2 million people suffered from Alzheimer's, less than half the number with it today. Ironically, Reagan developed Alzheimer's later and his candor in telling the nation “I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life,” helped focus new attention on a growing problem.

Typically, a person with Alzheimer's will live with it for eight years, although death can occur within three years and as long as 20 or more years after the onset of symptoms. Because Medicare and much private insurance does not cover the type of long-term care Alzheimer's patients need, most remain at home. Consequently, spouses, children and other loved ones must assume the role of caregivers.

That can be an emotionally and financially draining experience. Fortunately, help is available. The Generations Center offers a respite care program from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday for those with Alzheimer's or dementia. Transportation and a meal are provided, and equally important, caregivers receive a very welcome break from their ongoing responsibilities. A few slots are available and those needing more information about the program may call 744-3235.

The Winchester Board of Commissioners included funds in this year's city budget for Project Life Saver, a program that sees participants fitted with a transmitter that will greatly facilitate tracking them should they wander off. The devices, worn around the wrist, are to be ordered soon. The county also is considering the program, which has an outstanding track record.

Help for families with Alz-heimer's patients also is available by calling the Alzheimer's Association in Lexington at (859) 266-5283 or in Kentucky at (800) 272-3900.

We hope that someday soon a cure for Alzheimer's disease will be found so that future generations won't have to experience the heartache millions of Americans now know all too well. But until then, let each of us do our part to focus attention on the problem and to give generously to help fund the research that one day will lead to a cure."

Source: Cure for Alzheimer's is needed. Winchester Sun Online Edition (30 November 2005) [FullText]