We Can End Alzheimer’s Disease

Even though I have a bit of a medical background and have worked with seniors, I believed that the only type of research being done on Alzheimer’s was for earlier diagnosis and new treatments. I was surprised to learn that research is also focusing on how we can end Alzheimer’s. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is one of the leading resources in the fight to end this disease.

Banner’s Registry

Banner has created a registry that is free to join. Anyone over the age of 18 is highly encouraged to take part. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute (BAI) will gather confidential information, provide the latest information and resources, and keep you updated on research and clinical studies (which are completely optional). The more people that join, the better chances of ending this debilitating and deadly disease. BAI’s goal is to have 100,000 people registered by June 2013. This registry is vital to ending Alzheimer’s.

Other Alzheimer’s Services

BAI also diagnoses and finds the best treatments for people who have the early symptoms or the disease, runs clinical trials, commits to various types of research and teaches family how to care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. In the past the only way to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s was after their death through an autopsy. Now BAI uses advanced brain imaging to see various types of changes in the brain and gene testing to diagnose and evaluate treatments.

Some Facts About Alzheimer’s

• Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is not a normal part of aging
• Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. And the only one of the top 10 causes of death that cannot currently be prevented, treated or cured
• 5.4 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s, and someone is diagnosed every 6.9 seconds

Personal Story About Alzheimer’s

My uncle had Alzheimer’s disease, but none of the doctors that treated him would diagnose him with that. They would tell my family and I that he most likely had it but would use the term “dementia” instead. The first symptoms were that he repeated himself and didn’t realize it. Slowly, he began to forget how to do simple tasks such as tying his shoes. When I looked into his eyes it was as if nothing was there. He forgot our names. He still smiled and laughed, but it was often for no reason. It didn’t matter because it brought us so much joy.

Then he became sick with a kidney infection and was hospitalized. While in the hospital, he became extremely confused and needed someone to feed him. Upon discharge he was moved to a skilled nursing facility. A swallow study showed he was having difficulty swallowing, but with mashed food he was eating a bit better. We hired a nursing assistant to care for him at home. Finally he was released. The day he came home, he walked in and was like a little boy so happy to be back. He sat down at the table to eat a snack. Within a few minutes, he gasped for air and died. I still miss him to this day.

For my uncle, for your loved ones who have Alzheimer’s, for those that have passed, please sign up for Banner’s Registry. Then tell everyone you know to register too. This is our chance to end this disease.

Will you do that?

This is a sponsored post for the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Initiative and The Motherhood. I also took part in a webinar. All opinions are my own as always.