June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month–GO PURPLE!

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month (ABAM)–a time to shine a PURPLE  light for the millions of individuals world-wide and all the family members and caregivers locally affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  June is a wonderful time to honor those with the disease every day by mobilizing friends, families, neighbors and co-workers and customers to help bring an end to Alzheimer’s disease.  At Applewood Senior Living Communities, we are “Going Purple” on Friday, June 12, to show our support for the Southeastern Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association, and those affected by Alzheimer’s.

HERE ARE 5 THINGS THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DEMENTIA

1).  DEMENTIA IS NOT A NATURAL PART OF AGEING:  It is true that dementia is more common among over 65 year old’s, and some of us do become more forgetful as we get older or during times of stress or illness.  However, dementia is a different sort of forgetfulness.  The memory loss is more noticeable and may be accompanied by mood changes and confusion.  

2). DEMENTIA IS CAUSED BY DISEASES OF THE BRAIN:  Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, mood changes and problems with communication and reasoning.  Such symptoms are brought about by the number of diseases that cause changes in the brain.  The most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease, which changes the chemistry and structure of the brain causing the brain cells to die.  

3).  IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT LOSING YOUR MEMORY:  Dementia is more than memory loss.  It starts by affecting people’s short term memory but it also can affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.  

4).  IT’S POSSIBLE TO LIVE WELL WITH DEMENTIA:  Most of us have an image in our mind of what life with dementia looks like.  That image is often very bleak.  It can be surprising to learn that many people with dementia continue to drive, socialize and hold down satisfying jobs.  Even as dementia progresses, many people lead active, healthy lives, continue their hobbies and enjoy loving friendships and relationships.  

5).  THERE’S MORE TO A PERSON THAN DEMENTIA:  The inspirational people we care for are living proof that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.  When someone is diagnosed, their plans for the future might change and they may need support to keep doing the things they enjoy–but dementia doesn’t change who they are.

Dementia does make it harder to do certain things, but with the right knowledge and support it is possible for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to get the very best out of life!  So “Go Purple” this June to show your support!

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply