November Is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 16 Oct 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions

Twenty five years ago, November was designated as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. At the time, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer's. Today, as many as 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease - 120,000 of them in Massachusetts. Alzheimer's can occur as young as age 35, and is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the country. By 2050, 11 to 16 million people will likely have Alzheimer's.

"While there is much we don't yet know about Alzheimer's disease, tremendous progress has been made since 1983," said James Wessler, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter. "In November we focus on raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease and shedding light on the importance of finding breakthroughs in diagnosis, prevention, treatments and, eventually, a cure." The Alzheimer's Association will be offering educational programs throughout the state during the month of November. To find out what activities are planned in your area visit the Alzheimer's Association website at www.alz.org/MA

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. In Massachusetts, programs include a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, education offerings for families, and training for health care professionals. The Association has headquarters are in Watertown, and regional offices in Lowell, Raynham, Springfield, and Worcester, MA and Bedford, NH. www.alz.org