June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month Astorian Editorial Submission Mrs. Wanda S. Hunt - Dr. Gerard McShepard, M.S., M.P.H., Ph.D. Astorian Health Minute . Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is an annual observance in the United States during the month of June to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. It also encourages people to donate time or money for research and support on this disease that has effected so many. In the United States, it is organized by the Alzheimer’s Association and numerous volunteers and supportive networks.
It is important for Astorians to honor those directly impacted by Alzheimer’s and challenge the stigma associated with these conditions and inspire action. Even within our membership we have had someone impacted (i.e. member, spouse, friend or close family member). Mrs. Wanda Hunt has been working with the Alzheimer’s Association for many years and her deep connection started several years ago when her husband, Past Astoria President James W. Hunt, Jr., was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She served as his caregiver until he passed on February 6, 2021. The Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to wear Purple and use their brains to fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens over time. It is the cause of 60 - 70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues. As of 2024, there is an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s dementia. This is an increase of about 200,000 cases of the mind-robbing disease from 2023 and represents a significant public health crisis according to many experts. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. It most often begins with people over 65 years of age, although up to 10% of cases are early-onset impacting those in their 30s to mid-60s. It affects about 6% of people 65 years and older, and women more often than men. Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 and older in 2021 (the most recent year for mortality data). The disease is named after German psychiatrist and pathologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.
AD research has focused on interventions to prevent the onset and progression since there are no disease-modifying treatments available to cure Alzheimer's disease. There is no evidence that supports any particular measure in preventing Alzheimer's, and studies of measures to prevent the onset or progression have produced inconsistent results. Epidemiological studies have proposed relationships between an individual's likelihood of developing AD and modifiable factors, such as medications, lifestyle, and diet. There are some challenges in determining whether interventions for Alzheimer's disease act as a primary prevention method, preventing the disease itself, or a secondary prevention method, identifying the early stages of the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Virginia according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, and the most recent data show the following:
· 150,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Virginia. · 9.5% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. · 354,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Virginia. · 529 million hours of unpaid care is provided by Alzheimer’s caregivers. · $10.3 billion is the value of the unpaid care. · $1 billion is the cost of Alzheimer’s to the state Medicaid program.
These numbers demonstrate that a public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairment and their families.
The next “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” in Richmond, VA will be Saturday, November 9, 2024. Registration Opens at 8:30am and the location is City Stadium (3201 Maplewood Avenue – Richmond, VA 23221). The route length has two options: 2.5 miles and 1 mile. For information online and to donate in support of Past Astorian President James W. Hunt, Jr., go to the link: http://act.alz.org/goto/FORJAMES or send Mrs. Wanda S. Hunt a check written to the Alzheimer's Association and the mailing address is 8101 N. Wilkinson Court, Richmond, VA 23227.
Let us all make a difference to fight Alzheimer’s!!!
