November 12 - "Caring for the Nation...One Person at a Time."

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.   Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual function, among people aged 65 and older.  Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families.  Our focus is "Caring for the Nation...One Person at a Time."

AFA unites more than 1,400 member organizations from coast-to-coast that are dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. Under AFA's umbrella, these organizations collaborate on education, resources, program design and implementation, fundraising campaigns, and advocacy—all resulting in better care for those affected by the disease.

AFA believes that by raising awareness of the disease and educating healthcare professionals and the public at large, we will:

• Help remove the stigma of the disease
• Lead to early detection and proper treatment
• Prompt greater utilization of community resources
• Ultimately improve quality of life

It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease.  Although Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing the illness rises with advanced age. Current research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.   As our population ages, the disease impacts a greater percentage of Americans. The number of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 percent of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 


About a half million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. (This is referred to as young onset or early onset.) It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer's disease.

 
Donations help fund our toll-free helpline with resources and referrals, respite care grants, grants for member organizations that provide direct care and support, educational conferences, national initiatives such as National Memory Screening Day, professional education and training, and AFA Teens. In addition, through strategic partnerships, AFA funds research for medical treatment and a cure.




Get Involved:

Make a donation to Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

DONATE BY TEXTING.   Text AFA to 50555 to donate $10.
- $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill/deducted from your prepaid account. Message and Data Rates may Apply. Reply STOP to 50555 to stop. Full terms: www.mGive.org/T.Privacy Policy

Alzheimer's Foundation of America's Quilt to Remember.  

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Resource:  Alzheimer's Foundation of America.