A Great Alzheimer's Post
Cate Newton sent this great post. http://www.medical-assistant.net/alzheimers-resources concerning Alzheimer's. She asked that I share it with my readers. Here is part of it.
Quick Facts
- The human brain changes over time, but the abnormal occurrence of plaques and tangles is a sign of dementia-related disorders. While scientists do not know the exact connection between these abnormalities and Alzheimer’s, they do understand that nerve cells are being blocked, causing memory loss and other cognitive disabilities (Alzheimer’s Association).
- Alzheimer’s usually affects older victims, especially those over 60. The disease slowly progresses, affecting thought, memory, and language in subtle then more apparent ways (Medline Plus).
- More than 5 million Americans are currently affected by Alzheimer’s and are expected to reach 15 million by 2050. These numbers reach greater proportions internationally, with a current 26 million affected by the disease and a 106 million predicted by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Disease Research).
- Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men because women tend to have longer life expectancies and hence are more vulnerable to aging-related diseases (Women’s HealthCare Forum).
- Genetics is only one of the factors that contributes to Alzheimer’s. While researchers do not know what exactly causes Alzheimer’s, there has been scientific evidence linking four chromosomes to the disease: 1, 14, 18, and 21 (WebMD).
My mother has Alzheimers, It's been 3yrs since she was diagnosed, her condition has gone to a new level..I thought i had this under control mentally & physically, & like I was taught by her, nothing Is a big deal, this to we can over come. I'm the youngest of 6 children, I'm 40 years old & It was just 2 weeks ago that I have realized that I have lost my mom, she Is here, but not! If that makes sence. My mother has celebrated me, my birthday, my day always with lots of love, gifts, & because of her my birthdays have always meant the world to me, up until this one, my mother has been living with me for 9 yrs, she moved In with me to help me with my 2nd born Nicholas & she stayed, that to me has been the greates gift & blessing In the world. But my heart broke this 8/23 cause my birthday came & my mom did not say Happy Birthday & it was on a Tuesday so I had to work, but even when I got home I realized that the one person that I cared to hear this birthday wish from was not here anymore, that this Is all real..I miss her dearly, I was the last of six & her most stubborn, I believe now I'm so much like my mom. I'm so happy that I have the blessings from God & that he intruted In me to be the one to take care of her,& although my brothers live close, they don't have the understanding as to how serious this condition has become for me, my life,my husband, my children, my 9 year old who loves my mother more than life It self, she pratically raised him. I have not shared this with anyone & don't know If anyone will read this, but It feels great to vent & cry..I'm at work today Is 8/31 & I miss my mom...Maximina Diaz I love you 4ever, Thank you for being the best mother In the world & thank you for teaching me to be a strong, independent,& loving mother also.....Mom I'm sorry!