World Alzheimer's Day is September 21

Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in this country, and more than 5 million people now suffer with this horror. There is no cure for the disease. Much progress has been made in learning about the causes, treatments, and prevention of Alzheimer's in the last 15 years, yet it doesn't seem to get as much media attention as diseases such as cancer, heart disease, or even AIDS. This is a tragedy, since it is estimated that by the year 2050, 16 million people will have Alzheimer's, and 32 million people will be involved in their care. Every 72 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that is named for the German doctor who discovered it in 1906, Alois Alzheimer. It is becoming more and more common, and is a serious disease. One of the first signs of Alzheimer's is forgetfulness, which progresses along with confusion, trouble expressing thoughts vocally, getting lost in familiar places, and other changes in personality and behavior which continue until a person's quality of life is severely affected. Brain cell failure is a simple way to explain what is happening to a person with Alzheimer's disease. It is common knowledge that as a person ages, it is normal to experience brief instances of forgetfulness. This is NOT Alzheimer's. The brain, one of the body's most powerful organs, suffers from nerve cell and tissue loss in a patient with Alzheimer's, and it will shrink drastically over time. This shrinkage affects nearly all of the brain's functions.

The rate of time it takes for this shrinkage to progress can vary greatly. People with Alzheimer's can live an average of eight years, but some people may survive up to 20 years. How long the disease lasts depends on how old the patient was when first diagnosed, and any other health conditions the patient may have. Changes in the brain can begin more than 20 years before diagnosis. The lives of millions of people depend upon finding a cure for this disease, and ways to prevent it.

The goal of World Alzheimer's Day on September 21 is to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and the people who live with the disease every day. The Alzheimer's Association, http://www.alz.org, is attempting to raise $1,000,000 for Alzheimer care, research, and support. Any funds raised will be matched dollar for dollar by The Harrahs Foundation, up to 1 million. Fundraising events include a Memory Walk, whose slogan is "Taking Steps to End Alzheimer's." More than 600 communities volunteer for a two to three mile walk. Walkers are grouped into teams and recruit family and friends to support their team and make a monetary pledge. All ages are welcome to participate in the walk.

The Alzheimer's Association sponsors "A Round to Remember" where celebrity golfers and the casual aficionado can play the game and hit the disease with their best shot in order to raise awareness of and funds to fight the disease.

Society leaders and celebrities mingle in galas, major fund raising events such as the Rita Hayworth gala, which honors the legendary film star who died from Alzheimer's disease in 1987. Other events in Washington, D.C. and Palm Springs, California raise funds for research and support programs. These events are held on an annual basis.

Your own community more than likely has a local Alzheimer's Association chapter, which schedules many educational and fundraising programs, and also offers support for families who have a loved one with the disease. To learn about events in your area, visit http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp.