Nationwide, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. It’s time to understand what people are doing to impact this cognitive crisis.
Through the lens of research, health systems and public policy, Lindsay Walker, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter, will explore how people are changing the course of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
By reading other people’s stories, you will be able to appreciate the struggles, triumphs and tips for better thinking around this illness.
Topics will include how healthy lifestyle choices may decrease the risk of cognitive decline, how doctors are being trained to detect and diagnose the disease better, and why Ohio is building its first statewide Alzheimer’s plan.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter offers free Caregiver Support Groups, Education programs, and Care Consultations. These services are available by phone or online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call the Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
Let’s have Some ‘Better Thinking’ About Cognitive Health
By Lindsay Walker, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter
I have always had a strong relationship with both of my parents. However, I have always considered my mom my best friend.
She’s my best shopping partner, travel partner, confidant and she really does give the best advice. I consider myself protective over my mother and as she ages. I have become more conscious of my mom’s cognitive health because in my position as Executive Director of the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, I know the horrifying statistics about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia:
- One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
- It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined
But I also know that, as the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association and our legion of volunteers and donors are the catalyst for some remarkable advancements in research, public policy, Alzheimer’s care and healthy living recommendations.
I am calling this blog “Better Thinking” because I want to take as much of the mystery and stigma away from this illness as possible. But I also want to let you know there is hope on the horizon. Cognitive health is a critical component of active aging. Just as you talk with your physician about physical ailments, you should discuss memory and thinking issues. In fact, a cognitive assessment is part of the Medicare annual wellness visit.
If you don’t know someone who is exhibiting dementia symptoms, unfortunately, you will. It could be your aunt or uncle, a co-worker or someone in your religious congregation. Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic that needs much more public focus, research funding and family conversation.
We are lucky that in the Cleveland area, there is a lot of clinical and research expertise in the field of Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Dr. James Leverenz, Director of the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Research Center and Director of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, said many researchers are focusing on an easier way to detect Alzheimer’s disease and to identify people even before symptoms begin.
What is the Difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
We at the Alzheimer’s Association like to say that dementia is not a single disease; it’s an overall term — like heart disease — that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases.
During our time together, we will explore more about what is being done to bring to the world the first cure for Alzheimer’s disease. We will also explore ways to live your best life to help reduce risk for the disease, if you have the disease, or if you are a caregiver.
You can’t ignore the symptoms because Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan. So, we are going to face this together and talk about what you need to know and where you can get help.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are not a part of normal aging. Forgetting where you put your car keys and then finding them later is an example of normal aging. Putting your car keys in your kitchen’s freezer and not being able to retrace your steps is something else.
Some other facts: You do not have to be 65 and older to experience symptoms. Younger-onset Alzheimer’s occurs in people younger than 65. Alzheimer’s and dementia impact communities of color more severely. African Americans are about twice as likely as whites to have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. Hispanics are about one and one-half times more likely than whites to have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.
Northeast Ohio is home to a large concentration of Ohioans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Our Chapter supports 50,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and 160,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers.
How to Learn More about Alzheimer’s Research
If you have an interest in the latest Alzheimer’s research, check out the Alzheimer’s Association’s Science Hub app. In addition, the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a special research webinar featuring Dr. Carl Hill, Vice President Scientific Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association, and other national researchers on March 3. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. If you are interested, email me at [email protected].
At this point, I haven’t noticed any changes in my mother’s brain health. My beautiful mother continues to stay active and I make sure that the communication between us is open and honest. And that is what I plan to do with this column. I look forward to the open and honest conversation with you about ‘Better Thinking.’
