November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. (via alz.org) The origin of the term Alzheimer's disease dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, presented a case history before a medical meeting of a 51-year-old woman who suffered from a rare brain disorder. A brain autopsy identified the plaques and tangles that today characterize Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Disease Awareness is represented by the color purple.

- Every 66 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. By 2050, it will be diagnosed every 33 seconds.
- Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, up to 16 million will have the disease.
- It effects mostly women (3.3 million)
- Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.
- Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.

In loving memory of Grammie,

Born in Ossining on December 1st, 1924 Elizabeth (better known as Grammie) was a wonderful woman. She loved to crochet, collect rocks (label them with where and when she found them) and she also loved to knit. Grammie's husband of 71 years, and high school sweetheart, Robert (better known as Pop Pop) is the most patient man I know. Grammie and Pop Pop met in high school, and were married while he was on leave from WWII. Every morning he woke up and took care of her, despite being 92 years old himself. Grammie has 7 grand children and 9 great grandchildren. Rest In Peace, we love and miss you every day.