Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 98,000 individuals in Louisiana, with 1 in 9 people over 65 developing the disease. Approximately 16,800 are affected in the capital area region.
I personally can’t meet anyone who has not been touched by this disease; it is the cancer of this century. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and it will be the disease that will financially break Medicare and Medicaid.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and everyone needs to be aware that there have been many breakthroughs and that there is more hope than ever in the advances made.
Early detection is the key to reducing the effects, and education is the key to reducing the risk. The word “prevention” is actually used now. Biomarker tests are available to diagnose the disease. Infusion therapy is available to help eliminate amyloid in the brain. Modifying lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk or delay onset, giving more quality time for those who do develop it.
Education is the most powerful tool to equip those at risk, those newly diagnosed and their caregivers. Often the first indication is memory loss, and those over 60 should ask their doctors to get a baseline memory screening and compare annually.
During November, provides free memory screenings throughout the area served, or visit t No one should go through this alone.
BARBARA W. AUTEN
executive director, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
Baton Rouge