National Alzheimer's Awareness Month

 

My grandmother turned 84 this year and her mind has always been as sharp as a tack. She has grown a little slower at recalling things as the years pass but she remembers. She has been blessed in this sense. For many, remembering does not come easy. Alzheimer's has taken those memories hostage. The disease has locked them away. It has stolen the memory of those we love; but there is something we can do about it.

Memory screening is a useful tool in detecting early signs of Alzheimer's. It consists of a series of questions and tasks that will help assess thinking skills. November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. As part of that, November 13 has been set aside as National Memory Screening Day. If you know someone who could benefit from screening, be sure to locate a screening site in your area.

While finding a cure for Alzheimer's is a top priority, we can't forget to provide the best practical care for our loved ones who might suffer or already do suffer from this disease. One way we can do this is by helping them to follow successful aging tips. A few of those tips include visiting the doctor regularly, managing stress, and making sure they participate in activities that will stimulate their brain. Games are a wonderful way to practice this. Not only will this help your loved one, but you will be able to spend precious time with them making new memories.

This is a cause we can all be involved in. If you haven't already, consider contributing to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. You can make a contribution that memorializes, celebrates, or honors someone affected by the disease. Consider giving a holiday gift in support of the foundation. Every single one of us can help fight this disease by doing so.