Tips For Caregiver's

People with Alzheimer's disease frequently become more disoriented after dark or when waking. Leaving a night-light on in the bedroom may be helpful.

~WebMd

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters

Thanks to everyone who visited the Members Project site sponsored by American Express and voted for the project Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters. Due to your votes, the Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters Project won $1.5 million dollars in funding.

It doesn't take major acts of congress or millions of dollars to make a difference. This time all it took was your vote. As the caregiver of grandmother who suffers from Dementia (Alzheimer's Disease is simply one of several dementing disorders) I support any research toward prevention and finding a cure.

Here is the story that was submitted to the Members Project for consideration:
The earlier people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the sooner they can get the help they need. Too few people know the ten early warning signs, and they need to understand when memory loss becomes a problem. I need your help to create and implement an education program to show the importance of seeking an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, a progressive and fatal disease.

About 5 million people are living with Alzheimer's, but about 1/2 have not been diagnosed. Families are not financially prepared, lose their quality of life and are unable to cherish important moments. Alzheimer's is a growing epidemic expected to affect 16 million Americans by 2050. It has a huge financial impact on families and our healthcare system. The cause is not known and there is no cure. There are early warning signs and things you can do today with an early diagnosis.

Alzheimer's has a huge financial impact on society and on businesses. Our health care system will not sustain the future costs of care for the increasing number with the disease. The impact this project will have on families is also huge. Early diagnosis gives time to plan and find treatment options. Help me motivate Americans to seek diagnosis early, giving people options for treatment and a better quality of life.

It took over two years for my wife to obtain a correct medical diagnosis. Many of the symptoms she experienced were very confusing. We have decided to do everything we can to stop the progression of Alzheimer's and help others along the way. The final stages of the disease are ravaging for the patient and caregiver. We can reduce that suffering by encouraging more knowledge about the early warning signs and importance of early diagnosis.

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