The Alzheimer’s Association is highlighting World Alzheimer’s Day by asking everyone to wear purple on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Purple is the worldwide color designated for Alzheimer’s awareness. From the Alzheimer’s Association site, you can change your Facebook icon to an Alzheimer’s awareness graphic or purchase awareness products. You can also join sponsored walks to raise both money and awareness. If you are inclined to become locally active, you can coordinate your own Alzheimer’s fundraiser by joining forces with your local Alzheimer’s organization.
The Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA)
Dementia is expected to become the defining disease of our aging population. The costly care for people with Alzheimer’s poses a huge challenge to Medicare, Medicaid and family finances. Recently, Congress enacted the the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which is considered by many to be the largest legislative victory in recent years for the Alzheimer’s cause. The project requires the creation of a national strategic plan to address the Alzheimer’s crisis and will coordinate efforts across the federal government to address Alzheimer’s disease.
A recent NPR.org story about NAPA highlights the dilemma of many families. According to the story, as sufferers lose the ability to do the most simplest of day-to-day activities, family members have to step in and provide day-to-day care. In some cases this care can last for more than a decade. The NPR story also quotes a recent study that found this unpaid care totals nearly $200 billion yearly.
Alzheimer’s awareness: going global
The Nightingales Centre for Ageing & Alzheimer’s and The Bangalore Chapter of Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India have joined forces to bring more awareness to people in India. Groups in Canada and the UK have been active, as have groups in other nations.
Do your part for World Alzheimer’s Day by volunteering your time and/or your money to help find a cure. And try wearing something purple. Wearing purple may result in some questions that will open the door for you to teach someone about the seriousness of Alzheimer’s.
Posted in Alzheimer’s, Dementia | No Comments »Tags: Alzheimer’s, awareness, Support
