World Alzheimer’s Day: Understanding, Supporting, and Empowering Ourselves

Hello there, my fellow seniors!

You’ve probably heard the word “Alzheimer’s” here and there, especially in the news, or perhaps you’ve had conversations about it with family members or friends. But what exactly is Alzheimer’s, and why is World Alzheimer’s Day—held every year on September 21—so important for all of us, especially those of us who are a bit more seasoned by life?
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore Alzheimer’s disease, its impact, and what we can do to support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We'll keep it simple, casual, and hopefully helpful as we touch on this important topic.

What Exactly Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

First things first, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It’s the most common cause of dementia, which is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life.
Now, don’t get too alarmed if you’ve noticed that you sometimes forget where you left your glasses or the name of that old friend from high school. We all get a little forgetful as we age! Alzheimer’s goes beyond the everyday lapses in memory that come with getting older. It’s a progressive disease that worsens over time, eventually making it difficult for a person to manage even the simplest tasks.

Why Is Alzheimer’s Important to Talk About?

Here’s the thing: Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed with the condition—it impacts their families, friends, and even entire communities. World Alzheimer’s Day, which happens every year on September 21, is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage all of us to have open conversations about this disease.
Think of it this way: if we talk openly about Alzheimer's and how it affects us, we not only educate ourselves, but we also help others understand the challenges we may face and create a more supportive environment for everyone. And isn’t that what we all want—a little more understanding and support?

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

So, what should we be keeping an eye on when it comes to Alzheimer’s?

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of Alzheimer's. If you or someone you love keeps asking the same questions repeatedly or can’t seem to recall important dates or events, it might be time to talk to a doctor.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems: Everyday tasks that once felt easy might start becoming more difficult. Trouble following a familiar recipe or managing monthly bills, for example, can be signs that something’s not quite right.
3. Confusion with Time or Place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or where you are is another sign. While it’s not unusual to forget what day it is occasionally, it’s concerning if this happens regularly and you can’t figure out how you got somewhere or how to get back home.
4. New Problems with Speaking or Writing: Struggling to find the right words during a conversation or repeating yourself often can be early warning signs. If you or a loved one is having trouble following or joining a conversation, take note.
5. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps: We all misplace our keys sometimes, but Alzheimer’s sufferers may put things in unusual places (like putting the iron in the fridge) and then be unable to retrace their steps to find them again.

What Can We Do to Support Ourselves and Others?

Now, you might be wondering, “What can we do if someone in our family, or even ourselves, gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?” While there’s no cure yet, there are many ways we can support ourselves and each other.

1. Stay Socially Connected: Keeping in touch with friends and family, joining social clubs, or participating in activities you enjoy can help keep your brain engaged. Staying socially active is good for your emotional health and can help delay cognitive decline.
2. Exercise and Eat Well: We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but did you know it’s good for your brain too? Even gentle activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help keep your brain healthy. Combine that with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and you’ve got a recipe for a healthier mind.
3. Engage in Mental Challenges: Crosswords, puzzles, reading, or learning a new hobby are great ways to keep your mind sharp. These activities stimulate the brain, which is particularly helpful as we age.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help: If you’re worried about memory loss or other symptoms of Alzheimer’s, talk to your doctor. It’s better to be proactive than to wait. Your healthcare provider can help you explore options and provide support.
5. Support Caregivers: If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, remember to take care of yourself too. It can be emotionally and physically draining to care for someone with the disease, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members, friends, or professional support groups. You’re not alone in this.
6. Be Patient and Understanding: Whether you’re living with Alzheimer’s or supporting someone who is, patience is key. It’s easy to get frustrated when things aren’t the way they used to be, but approaching every situation with compassion can make all the difference. Remember, it’s the disease that causes these changes, not the person.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Alzheimer’s Patients

Let’s take a moment to talk about something we might not always think of—technology. Many of us didn’t grow up with smartphones, tablets, or the internet, but these tools can actually be really helpful in managing Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Memory Aids: Simple reminders or alarms on your phone or tablet can help keep track of important tasks. Whether it’s remembering to take your medication or keeping track of appointments, setting up digital reminders can make life a little easier.
2. Cognitive Stimulation: There are apps designed specifically for brain health. Some apps offer puzzles, memory games, and exercises that stimulate cognitive functions. It’s worth giving them a try, especially since many of them are free or low-cost.
3. Staying in Touch: Video calls through apps like Skype or Zoom can keep you connected to family and friends, even if they live far away. This is especially important if you can’t travel as easily anymore. Staying connected is not just good for your heart—it’s good for your brain too!

Let’s Break the Stigma Around Alzheimer’s

One of the goals of World Alzheimer’s Day is to reduce the stigma that surrounds this disease. There are still many misconceptions about Alzheimer’s, and because of that, many people feel embarrassed or ashamed when they or their loved ones are diagnosed.

Here’s what we need to remember: Alzheimer’s is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a medical condition, just like diabetes or heart disease, and it can happen to anyone. Talking about it openly, seeking help, and offering support are the best ways to break down those barriers and create a more understanding world.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Alzheimer’s Research

The good news is that researchers are working tirelessly to better understand Alzheimer’s and develop treatments to slow its progression. While there’s no cure just yet, advancements in medicine are happening every year. Some drugs can help manage symptoms, and clinical trials are constantly exploring new ways to treat and prevent the disease.
As a community, we should stay informed and support these efforts. You never know—one day, we may see a world without Alzheimer’s, and wouldn’t that be something to celebrate?

Final Thoughts

As World Alzheimer’s Day comes around again this year, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we can do for ourselves and for others. Whether it’s learning more about the disease, supporting someone who’s affected, or taking steps to keep our own minds sharp, there’s always something we can do.

Remember, it’s never too late to start! Alzheimer’s may be a difficult topic, but with a little understanding, compassion, and action, we can all play a role in making life easier for those affected by it.

Stay well, stay curious, and keep those brains working!

Wishing you all good health and happy memories,
ComForCare

Whether your loved one needs assistance only a few hours a week or around-the-clock, our team is happy to help! Call (480) 998-0668 to learn more about the transition care services offered through ComForCare Home Care (Scottsdale, AZ).