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According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, currently more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. With an aging baby boomer population, this degenerative brain disease will continue to touch more and more lives. Increased research funding and additional services for those living with AD begins with greater overall public awareness. The new Alzheimer's Awareness postage stamp is a tremendous step in that education effort.
Alzheimer's doesn't just impact the individual; it impacts entire families. Today in America, there are approximately 10 million people caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Seventy percent of people with Alzheimer's live at home where family and friends take care of them. In Texas, family and friends provide unpaid care valued at 5.8 billion dollars annually.
"We applaud the Postal Service's long history of highlighting public health issues. Including Alzheimer's disease in this tradition will help to spark a national dialogue about how we as a nation deal with this public health threat," said John Gilchrist, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Dallas Chapter.
Researchers continue to look for new treatments to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These new therapies, when they are developed, will be most effective when taken as early in the course of the disease as possible making it even more urgent for effective early detection of Alzheimer's. Early diagnosis improves care and treatment options for individuals by empowering them to participate more fully in their lives. It offers individuals more time to make choices to maximize the quality of life, build the right medical team, and gain earlier access to existing medications, programs and services.
The Alzheimer's Association list 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
The need for education, information, and supportive services for those with Alzheimer's disease is paramount. Fortunately, the Alzheimer's Association provides a wealth of resources to assist those who have been touched by the disease, including a 24/7 Helpline, local information for referrals, care consultations, public education events and support groups. For more visit, www.alzdallas.com or contact the Alzheimer's Association manager for Texoma, Dianna.Niemann-Harris@alz.org 903-416-1035.
The Alzheimer Awareness 42-cent commemorative stamp is currently available and can add a special message of care on holiday cards and letters.