Dementia

While there remains no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, enormous advances have been made in research. However, treatments with dramatic results may still be several years away. In the meantime, certain prescription medications have proven successful in controlling the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs; diets rich in antioxidants; regular physical exercise; and daily mental stimulation are considered reliable mechanisms for reducing a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s, or at least slowing down its progression.

As I mentioned earlier, Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects seniors. And, because our elderly population is exploding, the number of people with the disease is expected to grow at an alarming rate. By the year 2050 there will be nearly 87 million people in the U.S. over age 65 – at which point people in this age group will comprise 21 percent of America’s total population. Because the incidence of Alzheimer’s increases from 3 percent at age 65 to nearly 50 percent after the age of 85, it’s easy to see why an additional 13-16 million people in the U.S. are expected to develop Alzheimer’s.

Despite this serious prediction, however, much progress has been made in the area of caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s the good news I’m here to tell you about. As you know, I’m with Home Instead Senior Care, a company that provides CAREGivers who go into seniors’ homes to help them with their non-medical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, errands – or just providing companionship.

Even more important are the supervision and security that CAREGivers can offer to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The mission of our local office, and that of the more than [856] other Home Instead Senior Care offices throughout the country, is to help seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes. And, thanks to a special partnership Home Instead Senior Care has with a renowned Alzheimer’s organization, the company is also helping those with the disease stay home longer than ever before.

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