Alzheimer's Support Available

By Jennifer Grim

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Support is Available for those Impacted by Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes changes in memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. According to Jennifer Grim, family service coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, “This disease affects the person who has it, of course, but also the family, the network of caregivers for that person, and the entire community. The impact of Alzheimer’s is daunting for one person diagnosed. When we multiply that impact by the numbers of people affected, the results can be felt in many ways: financially, emotionally, physically, relationally and otherwise.” More than 220,000 Ohioans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, including more than 2,500 individuals in Tuscarawas County.

Everyone who has a brain is at risk for getting Alzheimer’s. Here are some things we know:

• Alzheimer’s is not normal aging.
• Alzheimer’s is more than memory loss. It appears through a variety of signs and symptoms.
• Alzheimer’s is fatal. It kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 to listen to your story and answer questions. “Caregivers are greatly affected and note that their experiences parallel those of people who are grieving – denial, anger, depression, guilt,” says Grim. “I’m honored to be part of a compassionate team of experts who provide tools to help caregivers find healthy coping strategies and can support caregivers throughout a variety of transitions this disease can bring.” The Alzheimer’s Association provides support for the following:

• diagnosis and warning signs,
• risk factors,
• treatments and clinical trial opportunities,
• communication and behavior change,
• symptom management and stages of progression,
• caregiver stress and self-care,
• and connection to community resources for additional help.

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900 or alz.org/eastohio to learn more about local education programs, support groups, and care consultation. 

As part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter needs you to get involved:

• Share the facts and get inspired by powerful stories of people sharing their experiences with the disease. Visit: alz.org/abam.
• Go purple — the color of Alzheimer’s awareness — on Facebook and Twitter!
• Honor those facing the disease by participating in the The Longest Day on June 21. Find out more at alz.org/TLD.

Article information supplied by Jennifer Grim, Family Service Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter.