November is...

Alzheimer's Awareness Month! In 1983 Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as National Alzheimer's Awareness month. Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease that destroys brain cells causing problems with memory, behavior, thinking, and life in general. There is currently no cure for this disease however treatments and the right support can make life easier for those currenlty suffering from this disease. Having a relative that is currently living with this disease, it is a cause that hits very close to home.

Did you know..

• Every 71 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's
• Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Women are more likely to develop AD, partly because they live longer
• Less than 5% of people 65-74 have AD, the percentage jumps to 50% in people older than 85
• Mental fitness may delay the onset of AD - keep your mind active!

(stats are from http://www.mayoclinic.com/ and http://www.alz.org/)

Each year there are Memory Walks held to raise money for Alzheimer's research. Unfortunately this year I missed the local walk but hope to participate next year. Here is the link to the memory walk website where you can find a walk near you. http://www.alz.org/memorywalk/overview.asp