June is considered Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Written by Diana Broniec, Zion Lutheran Parish Nurse
During this month it is important to understand the different signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, but also to understand how to care for someone who may be suffering from either of these diseases. Even though June is awareness month, it is important to keep these in mind all year long. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are nearly 55 million people across the word who are living with either Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association defines Alzheimer’s diseases as “a type of brain disease, just as coronary artery disease is a type of heart disease. It is caused by damage to nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The brain’s neurons are essential to all human activity, including thinking, talking, and walking.”
Alzheimer’s Associations outlines early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia is:
Forgetting recently learned information especially if it effects daily living
Difficulty following a plan
Having difficulty completing daily tasks
Struggling to remember dates, times, and occasionally where they are
Problems with judging distance and differentiating colors
Difficulty participating in conversations
Misplacing items
Difficulty making decisions
Distance self from social opportunities
Changes in mood
If you or someone you know may be experiencing some of these symptoms, please talk to your medical provider as soon as possible.
Resources:
https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pd
