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Today, online publications and the health blogosphere are all talking about a sleeping giant of a disorder that is becoming more and more of a growing concern to Canadians and people the world over: Alzheimer's Disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and is, as of yet, incurable. In a recent report, medical researchers from the U.S. and Europe have determined that this disease is indeed foremost on the minds of many as they encounter their loved ones' battle with it and are intent on getting tested and finding out for themselves if there are any preventative methods.
I describe Alzheimer's as a "sleeping giant" because it simply does not get the same press as cancer, AIDS, or even diabetes - but it is a major concern when looking at the trending numbers. According to a landmark report on Alzheimer's commissioned at UCLA in 2007, in 2006 there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide; further, Alzheimer's is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally by 2050.
Behind the scenes, scientists are working feverishly to get proper screening and blood testing into place in order to allay fears while concurrently trying to find a cure - CBC reported hours ago that a breakthrough early-stage blood tested is indeed in the works and will be made available soon.
Malini Hall, an Occupational Therapist at Saint Elizabeth, was interviewed by CBC several months ago where she offered advice on how concerned caregivers can keep their loved ones as safe as possible in the home - one of the horrific downsides of the disease is the capacity for sufferers to lose mental reasoning faculties, wander off, and endanger their lives.
http://www.cbc.ca/whitecoat/blog/2011/02/18/wandering-show-and-a-personal-reflection/
For more information and advice regarding Alzheimer's, caring for a loved one with the disease, and in-home support for care provision, we encourage you to visit SaintElizabeth.com and reach out to us for guidance and assistance.
