5 Things I Never Knew About Alzheimer’s

It’s strange how you can go through life in such naivety about some things that are impacting other people’s lives so tremendously. Yes, I may have been living under a rock until now, in my mid-40’s, but until recently, I thought “Alzheimer’s” was a term that described memory loss and confusion in old age. I didn’t truly understand the meaning of Alzheimer’s and what it really means to those that suffer from it and their families.

Here are five things I never knew about Alzheimer’s until today*:

1. It’s a real disease. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that actually attacks the brain’s nerve cells.
2. Over 5 million American are currently living with Alzheimer’s and as many at 16 million will have the disease by 2050.
3. While the risk of getting Alzheimer’s does increase with age, it’s estimated that a half million Americans under the age of 65 have some form of dementia, including Alheimer’s.
4. It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. The annual cost of caring for one individual with Alzheimer’s disease ranges from nearly $18,500 to more than $36,000, depending on the stage of the disease.

Here’s the one thing I already knew before today:

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

But there are alternative treatments that support those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, like cannabis. But it might be difficult to introduce someone struggling with Alzheimer’s disease with the concept of rolling a joint. So learning how to smoke weed without papers will be more effective for those who are looking to reduce the adverse effects associated with the condition. Hopefully one day there will be a cure developed but for now, all we can do is take advantage of alternative treatments that make our loved ones more comfortable.

There is a critical need for funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research! Because of this, Detroit Mommies will be joining in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s and I invite you to join me in doing the same.

Please consider joining the Detroit Mommies team in this walk on August 23, 2014. Taking place at Ford Field, participants will also enjoy face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, characters, mascots, games, activities for children of all ages and a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.  This is family friendly – bring the kids!

Joining the walk is easy.  Just click this link and click the green “+1” button to join the team.  If you’re unable to join Detroit Mommies on August 23 in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, please consider making a donation (after all, this is a fundraiser!) by clicking this link and then clicking the green “$” button.  Every little bit helps towards reaching our goal!

About the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s:

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk ; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.