What diseases do doctors fear most for themselves? I posed this question to my mom's cardiologist at his clinic last week. Without hesitation he said "Stroke and dementia."
I don't have direct experience taking care of a stroke patient. But caring for my mother who has dementia has given me a first-hand look at what the disease does to a person. I agree with the doctor. I too pray I won't suffer this debilitating disease in my old age. A family member went as far as to say (and I quote from his text message) "Wouldn't wannna stay in body if brain functions impaired".
One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease. It is a progressively degenerating disease that has no known cure at the moment. In Singapore, dementia is a time bomb that is waiting to explode. By 2020, an estimated 50,000 Singaporeans will have some form of dementia.
"The good news is that death rates for many major diseases - HIV, stroke, heart disease, prostate cancer, and breast cancer - are declining. Sadly, we can't yet say the same about Alzheimer's. This year, the first of the Boomer Generation turns 65. To bring urgently-needed attention to the risk facing the Boomers, Alzheimer's Association recently released a groundbreaking study - Generation Alzheimer's: The Defining Disease of the Baby Boomers.
We'd love your help in getting the word out on SeniorsAloud about the important information in Generation Alzheimer's, so we can make sure the public understands what can be done to conquer this devastating disease."
While Alzheimer’s is not normal aging, age is the greatest risk factor for the disease. This report conveys the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, families, government and the nation's healthcare system.
Do check out the related videos and links. Knowledge empowers, so please pass on the information to others. Let us help make a difference.
"Alzheimer’s Is Devastating, Deteriorating and Debilitating. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's."
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