walk to end alzheimer's

On September 28, I am walking for all my adopted Grandmas and Grandpas that I have the joy of serving as an occupational therapist.  I'm also walking for their caregivers, friends, children, and grandchildren whom I often cross paths with.  I am passionate about being able to educate and motivate caregivers and loved ones.  I know I'm just a small part of their lives and their experience with Alzheimer's, but I absolutely love being able to make a resident smile, or see a caregiver nod their head in understanding, or help a family member to simply take a break.

Alzheimer's disease is expected to cost the U.S. $1.2 Trillion by the year 2050.  See the video on the right hand side for a quick overview of the significant economical impact of the disease.

"Investing in research now will cost our nation far less than the cost of care for the rising number of Americans who will be affected by Alzheimer's in coming decades." - Bill Thies, Ph.D., Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, Alzheimer's Association

I hope you'll simply take some time this month to learn more about Alzheimer's, especially regarding what the association is doing to help families, and what is the latest in research.  Alz.org the website for the Alzheimer's Association and is full of amazing resources for family members, medical professionals, and regular people just wanting to know a little bit more.

Personally, I think the most interesting area of research is developing validity to use "biomarkers" to detect Alzheimer's disease in its earlier stages-- or even before it starts.  This means that maybe one day we could go into our annual physical and have lab testing done, and the test panel might include a certain protein or particle that present in the blood which is indicative or predictive of Alzheimer's diesase.

This is kind of like how we know that having high cholesterol is a predictor of coronary artery disease.  When someone has a high cholesterol reading, the doctor suggests ways to manage it, prescribes medications, and knows to monitor it on a regular basis-- to prevent the onset of later problems.  With early detection of diseases, we have a better chance of keeping things under control.

Currently, a diagnosis of Alzheimers is based solely on behavior or mental changes.  However, by the time those symptoms are apparent, the disease is already in advanced stages.  What if we could detect Alzheimer's earlier?  Would treatment be more effective in less advanced stages?  Could we slow the rate of onset and progression?  Could individuals live more fulfilling, independent lives and be able to continue to participate in all the "occupations" they have always enjoyed?

Thank you for taking time to educate yourself and be a part of the movement to end this epidemic.

I am SO thankful for several of my friends and family who have felt led to make a donation to the association!  I just started educating my friends and family yesterday, and they have already helped raise $105 for the Association in the matter of 24 hours.

Their funds will help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

You too can help financially by supporting your local chapter of the Alzheimers Association!  Look them up online at alz.org