On the first Friday of every month, AWOGI highlights a respective health awareness initiative. Fridays are FABULOUS and so are YOU....so take good care of yourself and your loved ones.
The month of June recognizes several health conditions, and this week’s health focus is on Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness.
Alzheimer’s Disease, also known known as dementia, and frequently called “old timer’s disease” affects more than 5 million adults today. This debilitating health condition is known for its progressive nature of affecting one’s memory, thinking, and at advanced stages deteriorating their ability to perform activities of daily living. The disease is often diagnosed in adults who are in their mid 60s, although it has been reported as being underdiagnosed. According to research, there is no definitive cause of this disease.
Common signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include:
- Becoming increasingly forgetful or confuse
- Continual loss of short-term memory
- Difficulty choosing appropriate words in conversation
- Becoming irritable and frustrated
- Bladder and bowel challenges
- Worsening appetite which may lead to weakness and weight loss
- Inability to perform common activities of daily living
- Wandering
- Death
As signs and symptoms advance, 24-hr support and care will be required, and the affected individual and their family may need social, financial, and spiritual support to cope with the challenges associated with the disease. Remembering those who experience Alzheimer’s in prayer is important, and often providing words of encouragement will go a long way, such as ensuring them that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Challenge: Support to those who are affected with Alzheimer’s
- Make routine phone calls to the person and/or family to let them know that you are thinking about and praying for them.
- Offer to provide respite support for a few hours or days as appropriate so the family can take a break to get rest and relaxation.
- Take the person to the grocery for shopping or you do it for them.
- Offer to run errands, such as pick up prescriptions or what’s needed.
- Recommend the family contact Social Services for community outreach services and support.
Contributor: Dr. Karen Jackson
DNP, MSN, NEA-BC
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