Alzheimer’s disease – what it is and what the Alzheimer’s Association is doing about it

AlzheimersAssnlogoUnderstanding the Reality. Alzheimer’s disease is:

  • A physical disease that destroys brain cells, shuts down normal body functions and is ultimately fatal
  • Not a normal part of aging
  • Not limited to the elderly
  • Not currently curable
  • Affecting 1 in 8 individuals over 65 years of age, and nearly half of those over 85

med081Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that impairs memory, reasoning, motor skills and the ability to take care of oneself. The impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families and our health care system makes the disease one of our nation’s primary medical, social and fiscal challenges.

Understanding the reality.  Alzheimer’s disease is:

  • The most expensive disease in the United States: it is responsible for over $173 billion in annual costs
  • The 6th leading cause of death in America
  • Not limited to the elderly, with people in their 30s, 40s and 50s developing the disease.
  • Currently affecting more than 5.4 million Americans, resulting in 16 million Alzheimer and dementia caregivers who provide over $144 billion in unpaid care for their loved ones
  • A disease someone in America develops every 68 seconds and by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds
  • Half of adult Americans age 35 and older know someone with Alzheimer’s disease

rhm114There is Hope
The Alzheimer’s Association is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer care, support and research.  We have made tremendous strides in understanding the nature of AD and some of its risk reductions.  As a result, we have more accurate diagnoses and treatments, and the outlook for managing the disease is more hopeful than ever before.  The Alzheimer’s Association has invested more than $300 million in Alzheimer research and is a catalyst for generating new knowledge about AD and other dementias.  The San Antonio office of the Alzheimer’s Association opened in 1989 and has been the leading source of information, education and support for South Texas individuals, caregivers and care professionals who face dementia every day.  Help us end Alzheimer’s disease and join our cause.  Call #210-822-6449 or visit www.alz.org/sanantonio for more information.

Alzheimer’s Association to hold Alzheimer’s Educational Symposium in San Antonio

AlzheimersAssnlogoThe Alzheimer’s Association will be hosting its 2013 Alzheimer’s Educational Symposium on Thursday, November 7th at The Whitley Center at the Oblate School of Theology from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Symposium will feature nationally recognized speakers and topics such as: frontotemporal lobar dementia, geriatricians vs. primary care, Alzheimer’s disease and co-morbidities, dementia challenges, ETHICS: Alzheimer’s disease and end of life care, and the role of mitochondria in the oxidative stress of Alzheimer’s disease.

Admission for family caregivers is free. Professional caregivers may earn up to six educational credits hours for attending the conference for a minimal fee of $75.

Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Educational Symposium provides excellent opportunities for local companies. From pre-event promotion that reaches more than 6,000 Alzheimer’s Association partners and supporters to our exhibitor’s hall and prominent event day involvement, our Alzheimer’s Symposium showcases sponsors’ products and services to key audiences. There are various levels of sponsorship opportunities. In addition, we are happy to discuss the best ways to leverage a company’s partnership to best meet a company’s objectives.

Every 68 seconds in America someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. It is now the 6th leading cause of death in America and growing. In Bexar County, an estimated 35,000 individuals and families are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, with 340,000 Texans aged 65 and older having Alzheimer’s disease. The need for continuing education for healthcare professionals and for services and support to caregivers is greater than ever.

For questions or to register for the Alzheimer’s Educational Symposium, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 210-822-6449 or via email to: gfunk@alz.org

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Facts about #Alzheimers disease and how you can help create a world without it

Alz Assn LOGOAlzheimer’s disease is the nation‘s largest underfunded public health threat.

Currently, there are no survivors of Alzheimer‘s disease.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Alzheimer’s disease kills more Americans than diabetes, and more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Alzheimer’s disease is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression.

While age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease is not normal aging.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.

Alzheimer’s research offers genuine, tangible hope.

The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to participate in our effort to improve the lives of people with dementia and create a world without Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Become an advocate.
  • Make a donation.
  • Volunteer your time.

Alzheimer’s Educational Symposium
Thursday, November 7, 2013
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oblate School of Theology

Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, September 21, 2013
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
AT&T Center

For more information, call 1-800-272-3900 or 210-822-6449