Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia and it is ranked as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. When someone loses their ability to think, reason, and remember things to a degree that it begins to interfere with their daily activities, dementia has begun to set in.
Changes in the brain cause dementia and can be difficult to pinpoint at first because they may develop well before the cognitive problems appear. Once Alzheimer’s has set in, neurons die off and the brain begins to shrink in size. Because this is a progressive illness, Alzheimer’s slowly begins to interfere with the basic daily self-care functions and in the later stages, other medical conditions are common.
Walking to Show Support & Raise Awareness
On October 5th, our Personally Delivered Team will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Orlando, Florida. We are excited to show our support and raise awareness for such a debilitating disease.
We believe that supporting the continuous research, clinical trials, therapies and treatments that doctors and scientists are involved in every day, will help find a breakthrough and all will be able to have memories that last a lifetime.
By walking on this day, our team will be part of one of the world’s largest events to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. We will walk in memory of those that have lost their battle to Alzheimer’s as well as those that are currently fighting this disease.
What You Can Do
There are many ways to get involved if you know someone that has Alzheimer’s, are related to someone with the disease, are a caregiver, or just want to show some support. Here are a few we suggest:
1. Put Together a Team
Hundreds of communities across the country hold a Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Just like our team, the walk encourages teams and their participants to fundraise in a variety of ways. Once you sign up your team, you’ll receive a packet with a ton if useful information, ideas, and ways to set and achieve goals. It really can be a lot of fun for a cause that is so great!
2. Take the Purple Pledge
During the month of September, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages you to take the Purple Pledge and spread the word about this disease helping to inspire action and continue to raise awareness.
Take the Purple Pledge here: alz.org/pledge
3. Wear Purple to Show Your Support
You can simply wear purple on this day to show your support if you are unable to participate in or organize an event. This small effort is a way to contribute to the cause. Our Personally Delivered Team are Difference Makers every day!
4. Donate Financially
Consider making a financial contribution to a research organization. Many of these organizations are consistently looking for ways to raise money for studies and would largely benefit with the extra funding. Some organizations we suggest are the following:
5. Take Time for Yourself
Practicing self-care is one of the most important ways that you can potentially prevent Alzheimer’s from happening to you and those that are important to you. By eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest, you can reduce your stress levels and are acting proactively to possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
No matter what you choose to do to show your support this September, just know that every effort you make counts. The common goal is shared- joining together to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in hopes that we can help end the disease.
For more information about Alzheimer’s Disease and other ways to get involved, visit National Institute on Aging or Alzheimer’s Association. As always, talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about symptoms that you or someone you know may be experiencing. Taking the proper precautionary steps early on may lead to making more memories later on.
