Are You Aware?
Nothing hurts as much as seeing your elders lose their memories. Everyone one of us may forget something here or there. But when Alzheimer’s disease is added to the equation the pain can be quite intense. I suffered a great deal when my favorite Aunt went from being the smartest person I knew to an infantile personality. This disease ravaged her quite quickly too. The affect was rather unnerving to me.
Because of this I would encourage everyone to get those old folks screened. Heck that even includes me. As with any disease, there can be no treatment without diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has declared November 13 to be National Memory Screening Day. Take the time to get checked out. The screening can also pick up on dementia. For me it would be a relief to see that I am normal. Some days I wonder about myself, as I tend to be overly forgetful.
Early diagnosis can help affected individuals find some help from the ravages of this disease. Proper care and medication can improve quality of life. Family members can find support groups and information that will allow them to help their loved ones. And medical science can help those afflicted with access to new medical breakthroughs.
Memory screening locations are easily found on the National Memory Screening website. From there you locate your state and then look for the nearest screening center. Healthcare providers that want to help with this endeavor can also sign up at this website.
When you visit the website take the time to look at the aging tips. My international readers may find this interesting as well. There are a lot of solid tips on how to age well. Why suffer when a few lifestyle changes would improve your day to day life? Hey lets spread these tips around. Tell your parents. Inform your neighbors. Good health tips should be shared.
This is a worthy organization for anyone seeking a charity too. I have seen the affects of this disease first had. Truly, I have no wish to see this affect another family. It is crushing and demoralizing to see someone that changed your diapers, reduced to wearing one. Americans looking for a charity would make a fine choice here. Wouldn’t this be the greatest holiday gift to offer your elders? A donation to maintain their memory.
November 7th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Statistically, India has the lowest rate of people who suffer from alzheimer. Know why? Time magazine reports that this is because Indians consume a lot of turmeric in their curries
SA: What is turmeric? Want to eat a lot of that now.
November 7th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Reagan has made Alzheimer well known around the world… People are more aware of Alzheimer and take precautionary steps to avoid it.
November 8th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Turmeric can often be found in curry! According to Wikipedia, turmeric is widely used as a spice in Indian and other South Asian cooking.
SA: Thanks PY. *hugs*
November 8th, 2007 at 9:39 am
turmeric is the yellow powder that will stain your hands and fingernails if you cook with it (and i do). we even use turmeric leaves in our cooking (which i can’t find here)
my grandmother had this disease, and we watched her deteriorate. still no cure though.
SA: Is this the same spice used in the roti canai sauce. I don’t mind getting yellow fingers for such yummy food.
Sorry about your grandmother. Hopefully they can find a cure. I think that is one of the projects with the stim cell research.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I was not aware November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, thanks for letting me know
SA: I did not know until I found this ad.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
i think there is some turmeric in the roti canai curry sauce. we do use it a lot. one of the simplest dishes is to get a fish filet (tilapia, whatever floats your boat), season with salt, pepper and rub a little turmeric powder over it, pan fry with a little olive oil. mm mmmm!