September is World Alzheimer’s Month. This month serves as time to increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. People can wear purple to help show their awareness, and speak with others to help enlighten them about this common disease that not only afflicts the elderly.
If you know someone who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, here are 4 ways you can honor this month.
Help a caregiver in need
Caring for a loved one who is living with dementia, especially after they develop Alzheimer’s, can be very difficult. One of the most profound gestures you can make is to lend a helping hand to a family caregiver. It could be as simple as letting the family caregiver who is caring for someone in your family know how much you appreciate their work.
If you have a family caregiver who spends much of their time caring for their family member, offering to give them a breather can also show you care in a real and profound way. If you’re out of state or can’t help due to other commitments, offering to help pay for a professional respite caregiver can also show you care in a very real and meaningful way.
Any recognition helps however, and can be a great way to recognize a family caregiver during this month.
Meditate for 65 seconds
Every 65 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Industry experts suggest that meditating for 65 seconds can be a great way to honor this month, as well as the many people who are affected with Alzheimer’s. Right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, which makes the impact of this disease particularly profound.
Share your story on social media
Do you know someone who has Alzheimer’s? Were you recently diagnosed? Sharing your story on social media can make a big difference in bringing awareness to this disease. The goal of World Alzheimer’s Month is to help draw attention to this disease that CDC reported an estimated 5.8 million Americans were living with in 2020.
Take care of your own brain
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are ways you can help keep your brain healthy. Exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and taking care of your heart don’t just benefit your general health—they can all specifically help your brain as well.
Taking care of your brain can help lower the risk of disease, and make your golden years even more enjoyable.
Donate
Alzheimer’s presently has no cure, and treatment involves managing symptoms. The disease is progressive. Although there is no cure right now, scientists are working every day to find new cures and treatments.
You can help by donating to support research of the disease. You can donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, or even become a walker to help raise money for this important cause.
Alzheimer’s disease effects millions of people around the world. Chances are even if you don’t have it yourself, you may have a family member or a friend who does. By making yourself aware of this disease and finding out how you can help, you are one step closer to bringing this debilitating disease to a close.
For more Alzheimer’s tips and information, or to find out about respite care for a family caregiver, contact Homewatch CareGivers of Ellicott City today.
