Jack Newhall, Freshman
Alzheimer’s is a dreadful disease that affects the victim in horrible ways, but also touches the people around them. The month of November is used to remember those who have passed and spread awareness for all of the victims that currently suffer from Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia, which consists of a brain disease that gradually damages and destroys memory. The cause is largely genetic, and a first family member largely increases the probability of developing it. Although old age does not cause Alzheimer's disease, there is a larger chance of getting it at an older age. The disease is thought to be caused by abnormal buildup of proteins inside and around brain cells. As brain cells become more affected, there is a decrease of chemical messengers, which help brain cells send signals or messages to each other. There are seven stages of Alzheimer's ranging from, “No impairment”, meaning that it hasn’t been detected, to “Very Severe Decline.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th largest cause of death in the United States. One in every three seniors will die of Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of Dementia. It is also the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There is currently no cure or medication to slow down the effect of Alzheimer's Disease, which is why the survival rate is 0%.
Per the Alzheimer’s Association, “Together, we are stronger!”; options to become involved include: participate in an event, advocate or volunteer. Event participation increases awareness and funds to support the organization. Popular events include Walk to End Alzheimer's, The Longest Day, Rivalz and Ride to End ALZ ™. The Walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, although all 2020 walks were transitioned to individual or small group events. The Longest Day coincides with the Summer Solstice; “On June 20, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer's through an activity of their choice.” Rivalz is a somewhat different way of fundraising, it is a series of volunteer based flag football games around the country. This year's games have been completed for months but there is always next year if you would like to participate. Ride to End ALZ ™ is a cycling event in which 100% of funds will go towards Alzheimer’s Research.
Works Cited
NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/causes/#:~:text=Alzheimer's disease is thought to, form tangles within brain cells.
“Home.” Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, www.alz.org/.
Commentaires