World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign by the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness and challenge the shame that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Month launched in 2012 and World Alzheimer’s Day is on September 21^st each year. 2 out of 3 people worldwide believe there is little to no understanding of dementia in their countries. World Alzheimer’s Day is the movement to try and change that, as well as encourage researchers to more aggressively seek a cure.

The most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. 60-80% of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s.

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and loosing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgement
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

Individuals with memory loss or other possible signs or Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms:

• Disorientation
• Mood and behavior changes
• Deepening confusion about events, time and place
• Unfounded suspicions about family, friends, and personal caregivers
• More serious memory loss
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking

By 2050, the number of people living with dementia around the world will have multiplied to 152 million, making the disease one of the most significant health and social catastrophes of the 21^st century. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States.

Watching a loved one battle Alzheimer’s can be devastating. The Alzheimer’s Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease.

• 27/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
• Locate your local Alzheimer’s Association
• Use the virtual library
• Go to Alzheimer’s Navigator to create customized action plans and connect with local support services

The mission of The Alzheimer’s Association is “To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health”. Join the movement and use the following hashtags to show support on social media:

#WorldAlzMonth #Every3Seconds

Services such as medication management and medical bill negotiator from MedCareComplete, as well as Premier Elder Solutions, can make a world of a difference for Alzheimer’s patients and their family members.

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