Although Alzheimers Awareness Month isn’t until November, It’s never too early to spread the knowledge and awareness of this burdensome disease. This is for all of those who have lost loved ones to this illness, to those who have questions regarding Alzheimers, and for those who believe their loved ones might be ailed with this illness.

I lost my father to dementia, the most common form of Alzheimer’s, so I want to aid those with the resources and information they need to become more knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s, and what it means for them or their loved ones experiencing its effects.

What is Alzheimers?

To loosely define this ailment, Alzheimers is a form of dementia that causes difficulty with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms of Alzheimers typically develop over time, but become more severe to the point where it can interfere with daily tasks.

Despite common misconceptions, Alzheimers in not a normality associated with old age.

Yes, old age is a great risk factor with most people 65 or older, but there are approximately 20,000 people under 65 with younger-onset Alzheimers disease.

As stressed earlier, Alzheimers is a progressive disease, and worsens over time.

In its earliest stages, Alzheimers causes mild memory loss, but as it progresses and gains aggression, victims lose the ability to carry on conversations and respond to their environment.

Sadly, Alzheimers is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and those ailed with the disease have on average eight years expected survival rate after their symptoms become noticeable to others, although there are others whose survivals rate fluctuate from four to 20 years.

Noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer's include, but are not limited to:

- Forgetfulness of events or about one’s personal history.

- Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations.

- Being unable to recall their own address, telephone number or the high school/ college which they graduated from.

- Confusion about where they are or what day it is.

- The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.

- Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals.

- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.

- An increased risk of wandering and becoming lost.

- Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions, or compulsive, repetitive behavior etc.

In the later stage, symptoms become so severe that individuals may need around-the-clock assistance with daily activities and care, as well as show changes in physical abilities such as walking, sitting and the ability to swallow.

Although biomedical researchers are at the forefront of groundbreaking research that could possibly lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia, it has yet to be discovered.

If you or a loved are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor immediately. There may not be a cure, but there are numerous procedures that can help you prepare for this road ahead.

If you have any questions, concerns or even moral support, below are resources you may find useful.

Don't lose hope, keep battling and don't lose your faith.

www.alz.org

http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.asp

http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-05-08/best-alzheimers-support-groups/

https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-disease-stages#1

http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp