November is National Family Caregivers & Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
In 1983, three years before his public letter of his own Alzheimer’s diagnosis, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month of November to be National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. Two decades and a year later, the Alzheimer’s Association raises the banner on National Alzheimer’s Awareness month with their Honor a Caregiver Today campaign.
Meanwhile, the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) leads us in celebrating National Family Caregiver’s Month [7/8/2024 TCV updated URL] with some alarming details. (The three links below are from CAN’s website.] Did you know that…?
Two out of every five adults are family caregivers.
Thirty-nine percent of all adult Americans are caring for a loved one who is sick or disabled – up from thirty percent in 2010.
Alzheimer’s is driving the numbers up.
More than 15 million family caregivers are providing care to more than 5 million loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
[TCV Update 6/27/2018: Alzheimer’s Association URL is no longer available – using link to web archive.]
Family caregivers perform medical and nursing tasks.
Almost half of family caregivers perform complex medical/nursing tasks for their loved ones – such as managing multiple medications, providing wound care, and operating specialized medical equipment.
For information about dementia risks and reducing them and an overview of types of technologies for quality of life, click on:
ADI’s Risk Factors for Dementia
Twelve risk factors for dementia. [TCV Update 1/21/2024: ADI’s 5-steps to Reduce One’s Risk of Dementia Infographic no longer available. Substituted this 2021 PDF ]
Summary on the Alzheimer’s Disease International’s website (slightly paraphrased): Critical examination of the evidence… of modifiable risk factors that can reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 50% including: developmental, psychological and psychosocial, lifestyle and cardiovascular. “Dementia [must] be integrated into both global and national public health programmes alongside other major non communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Landscape of Technology for Older Adults
[10/21/2024 TCV Updated URL] Technology can increase the quality of life for older adults – an overview.
* The World Alzheimer Report 2014 was independently researched and authored by Prof Martin Prince, Prof Emiliano Albanese, Dr Maëlenn Guerchet and Dr Matthew Prina on behalf of the Global Observatory for Ageing and Dementia Care, King’s College London. The work was supported by a grant from Bupa.
Brenda, I am more then glad to share my story and experience with anyone if it helps them. SISU is Finnish for GUTS and Marie had plenty of that. She never once complained but did ask me “Why me?” I wish I had the answer. WWMD? Marie would want me to be happy and get on with my life. I’m sure she is looking down on me and telling me every time a good looking specimen walks by “Hey check that out” She always did that and especially on the beach. She was the most loving person anyone could have. I have visited about 4 groups so far and it’s just not for me. Not those. I am joing another group at the church starting this Sunday. Today when I put the Roses on her resting place and gave her a shot of coffee, the headstone is in place. It was so moving. I put my hand on the stone and said a prayer for “us”. Frm November to march yo ucan only put artifical flowers on the site. So, I will purchase my “Plastic” roses soon. I miss her terribly but I do understand that she is now free of that mean person called “Lewy” Marie would also want me to educate others of this disease and what to expect for caregivers. So, I am going to do that.
Yesssss! I am glad, Don, that you will help others with the knowledge you have gained over the years. Family caregivers’ knowledge shared helps helps future family caregivers cope wisely and find the worn (tried-and-true) path on what tends to be each family’s unique journey.
Thanks Brenda. I hope all caregivers get the help they need. I am worn out from 10 years of parkinson’s and 6 years of Lew Body dementia where I had to be the main caregiver. No ,I didn’t have to be but I chose to be because I love my wife so much. The last 3 years tool a lot out of me. I am worn out and trying to rebound. I have her “SISU” so I will rebound. I visit her resting place (Quantico National cemetery) every Friday to continue giving her Roses on Friday and I give he a shot of coffee as well. This is how I have to deal with this. I am happy she is out of pain but very very sad that I don’t have my Marie next to me. I love her so much and she has thrown me into a tizzy. I strongly encourage everyone get help as soon as they can. Caregivng is the most draining task anyone can have.
Don, thank you for taking time to share your experience as a testament for caregivers.
Today’s the day, Marie gets roses. As you recover, please do consider two things–1. what would Marie want for her beloved “Donny?” She didn’t ask for PD nor LBD, but it happened and she and you lived with it until her body and mind could hold out no longer. So, as Marie gazes upon her Don, what would she wish for you. Take heed in that. And 2. Please do visit several grief support groups in your area until you find one that fits your style. They are absolutely tremendous in helping you rebuild your life W.M.I.H. (with Marie in Heaven).