Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

Alzheimer’s disease, also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer has, has affected millions of people all over the world. Despite its prevalence among the elderly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. In Alzheimer’s disease, problems with judgment, memory and thought processes make it hard for a person to take part and work in day-to-day social and family life. Changes in personality and mood also may occur. These changes can result in loss of self-control and other problems.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative and terminal disease for which there is no known cure. The chances of getting Alzheimer’s increase with age, usually occurs after age 65. There is no singular test that can definitely diagnose Alzheimer’s, although imaging technology designed to detect Alzheimer’s tangles and plagues is rapidly becoming more precise and powerful. Nevertheless, a competent, comprehensive diagnostic workup by a skilled physician can pinpoint the cause of Alzheimer’s with over 90 percent accuracy.

Currently, there is no way to cure Alzheimer’s or stop its progression. However, researchers are making encouraging advances in Alzheimer’s treatment, including non-drug and medications approaches to improve symptom management. When physicians develop treatment plans, they often consider behavioral and cognitive symptoms separately. Behavioral symptoms include suspicion, agitation and depression. On the other hand, cognitive symptoms include problem with thought processes like language, memory and judgment.

The classic sign of early Alzheimer’s is gradual loss of short-term memory. There are other signs, such as inability to recognize objects, problems speaking or finding the right word; forgetting how to use ordinary stuffs (such as a pen) and forgetting to lock doors. The symptoms vary from one person to the next. However, if you have some of those signs that do not mean you have Alzheimer’s disease. Anyone can have a lapse of memory or show poor judgment now and then.

Yesterday, I was talking to my friend and he was telling me stories about the people at his job. He told me about this Alzheimer's Memory Walk, which is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The event calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, there are walks in more than 600 communities. You can walk alone or with a team. Finally, if you are thinking you could not possibly do a walk, it is usually only 2-3 miles. It is on a weekend morning in the fall.