Tuesday, September 21, 2010

today is World Alzheimer's Day

Today, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day.  But like with any disease, no one pays any attention to it until it affects them personally, or someone they know very well.
The link (which goes to the Alzheimer's Association website) contains many things you can do today, like write to Congress, and astonishing facts on dementia:
  • Dementia care costs around 1 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).
  • If dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy (ranking between Turkey and Indonesia).
  • By 2030, worldwide societal costs will increase by 85 percent (a very conservative estimate considering only increases in the number of people with dementia).

3 comments:

Becca-HRH AKA "Becca Her Royal Highness" said...

I am sorry for your loss! I too have a parent loosing her battle with Alzheimer's. My mother is in a care home wasting away. My Grandfather lost his battle of many years last year. I too can not express the pain to me and my family from this. I am sorry for your pain! I am walking in the memory walk from the State capital here in Sacramento, CA next week Oct. 2nd. I will think of you that day! Alzheimer's sucks!

Andy Ward said...

i am slowly losing my mother to dementia. she is only 65 but has the look and mannerisms of an 80 year old. seeing her personality fade away is like watching someone working on a reverse jigsaw, taking away my mum piece by piece until all that will remain is an emptyness :-(. My dear father looks so tired. he sleeps very little these days as he looks after mum 24/7.

Lindy Swain said...

Just discovered your blog today. Very touching and interesting.

Lindy Swain, PharmD
www.pharmacyadvocates.com