November is National Alzheimer's Month

In November 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. When he made this declaration, less than 2 million Americans were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now, the figure has dramatically risen.

Throughout November, the objective of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is to heighten public awareness about the disease and its widespread prevalence in the U.S. Additionally, it aims to spotlight potential care opportunities for those impacted.

The following is information regarding Alzheimers according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

Over 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s Disease, with an additional 3 million diagnosed annually. Alarmingly, Alzheimer’s claims more lives than the combined total of breast and prostate cancers. The disease predominantly affects women and Black Americans. Furthermore, around 11 million Americans selflessly provide unpaid care to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of Alzheimer’s, yet fewer than 1 in 5 Americans are familiar with it. Alzheimer’s is a progressively fatal brain disorder, not a standard aspect of healthy aging. Its exact cause remains under investigation, but a leading theory points to the accumulation of misfolded proteins between nerve cells leading to brain damage. This degeneration often starts a decade or more before any symptoms manifest. Recognizing early signs of MCI can be pivotal, as it can precede Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include:

Memory lapses

Impaired judgment resulting in poor decisions

Diminished spontaneity and initiative

Prolonged daily task completion

Repetitive questioning

Financial mismanagement, such as difficulty in paying bills

Propensity to wander and get lost

Misplacing items in unusual places

Shifts in mood and personality

Elevated levels of anxiety and/or aggression

Struggles with language

Indicators of MCI encompass:

Habitual item loss

Forgetting scheduled events or appointments

Notable difficulty in word recall compared to peers of the same age

Treatment and Research: If one suspects they are experiencing Alzheimer’s or MCI symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. Treatment options may range from medication and lifestyle adjustments to participation in clinical trials. Johns Hopkins stands at the forefront of geriatric research and psychiatric and behavioral sciences, exemplified by the dedicated efforts of the Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center.