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Alzheimer’s is a deeply personal issue for me having a grandmother who passed away from the disease when I was just in the 7th grade.  Considering that 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and that it’s currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, you may know someone or be related to someone who is suffering from the disease (alz.org).  But you certainly don’t need to have had a close relative or friend pass away or suffer from the disease to pay tribute to National Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness Month, which happens every November.  It’s important for us all to bring national awareness to this unfortunate mental disease and positively acknowledge the caregivers who support those are going through it.  

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Walk to end Alzheimer's in MINKPINK This Girl Won’t Stop Tank here.

It’s additionally necessary and imperative for us to shed a positive and deserving light on those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s especially because of the pervasive stigma that exists surrounding mental illnesses and diseases.  Being diagnosed and suffering from a mental disease should not be shaming nor should it be left out of the national public health conversation anymore.  To ensure that this happens and that we foster a more inclusive dialogue around mental diseases, I’ve created a list of ideas and ways you can support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November.  As a family member to someone who suffered from the disease, let’s vow to be supportive, empowering, and informative during this month and all months surrounding the difficult and challenging topic of Alzheimer’s Disease.

1) Know and share the facts (Not to create fear, but to create communal awareness and understanding)

The Alzheimer’s Association has an entire section of their website dedicated to their most updated and accurate facts and figures.  Although reading some of the statistics can be startling and stressful because of how common the disease seems to be, the way they present the information is informative, digestible, and relatable.  Reading some of the facts can be triggering to some depending on your level of sensitivity and closeness to the issue, so be an informed consumer and sharer of the information presented.  The way you share resources about Alzheimer’s Disease doesn't have to create fear in your digital and personal networks.  Relate the information to others and present it in a personal, informative, and supportive way that helps shed light, compassion, and care on the mental disease.

2) Register and find a walk to end Alzheimer’s near you

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, ‘the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.  Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community - more than 450,000 participants that include family, friends, co-workers, social and religious groups and more - in a display of combined strength and dedication in the right against this devastating disease.’  When you visit their website, you can click on your state, locate a walk near you, and register.  There is no registration fee but each participant is strongly encouraged to fundraise for their organization and cause.  Gathering as a local community to comfort, support, and reach out to one another - especially those who have been diagnosed, know someone living with the disease, or are related to someone with Alzheimer’s can be powerful, empowering, and motivating.

3) Reach out to a loved one, someone you know, or friend that has been affected or is battling Alzheimer’s.

Participating in a walk and sharing information to spread awareness are both beneficial and important to your community and yourself, but sometimes making a meaningful, deep, and personal connection are equally as important and helpful.  Although spending time with my grandmother was very trying and difficult (for me and probably even more so for her), I know spending quality time with her was precious and meaningful for both of us.  Shared human connection and experiences are what bind us people and can make some of the most difficult situations a little better.

4) Donate to an organization that focuses on Alzheimer’s awareness, research, and support.

A cure to Alzheimer’s may not exist right now, but you never know how far your contribution could go or how influential your donation could be to ending the disease in the future.  Depending on the organization you decide to donate to, you could honor a loved one with a memorial or tribute gift or donate to a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team or participant.  You can personalize your contribution and pair your awareness and advocacy efforts with a monetary gift.

5) Pledge to support the fight to end Alzheimer’s

Donations, awareness, and outreach are vital, meaningful, personal, and helpful but also consider becoming an advocate for the cause as well.  By being an advocate for an organization like the Alzheimer’s Association, you can push for and promote public policy issues and essential funding for research.  Urging Congress to recognize Alzheimer’s devastating consequences and impact on families, friends, and communities will help move us forward as a nation and make this mental disease a higher priority in pubic health.  Leverage your unique and passionate voice to champion the cause and help us end Alzheimer’s.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and how you can help visit: http://www.alz.org.

 

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