Helping in the fight Against Alzheimer’s

By K. J. Webb
Contributing Writer

Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are many forms of dementia, but Alzheimer’s is the most common. Sadly, today there is still no cure or treatment for the disease; it is a fatal degenerative brain disease that slowly takes away personality, memory, and ability to live.
Every year, more people die from Alzheimer’s than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. There are many risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, but the greatest one is simply age. As the population ages, the number of people who are affected will increase dramatically.
The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter is an invaluable FREE resource for those who are coping with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, whether as a family member, a caregiver or someone living with Alzheimer’s. All services begin with a call to its 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and may include information on and referrals to other services in the community, care consultations to help the family build a care plan for the future, constituent education to increase understanding of the disease progression, and support groups to provide social interaction with people in like situations.
“These services are free because of the support and energy we get from Tulsa and the rest of the state,” said Diane Powell, manager for the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “We are the first responders to families who need help and hope, often giving them information that they don’t get anywhere else – and we need your help.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a fun way to raise awareness and money for the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Funds raised support local services, international research, and advocacy for the aging. To get involved in the Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s, register today at tulsawalk.org or contact Powell at dpowell@alz.org.