November 2021 marks the 38th anniversary of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In the 38 years since the inaugural call for individuals to build awareness of this disease, we as a society have learned so much about those living with cognitive decline as well as the burdens of caregivers.
“Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are a worldwide pandemic,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “This issue has become a huge focus of national and global interest, and finding a cure is of high priority for science and society. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the world and is one of the only diseases we know of that can’t be slowed, prevented or cured.”
Alzheimer’s disease has become a banner to rally around for many, with June being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month and November being National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. While the majority of fundraising and advocacy occur in the summer months (culminating on June 21, the “longest day of the year”), every day of the year is a chance to raise awareness, fundraise and heighten work being done to help eliminate this disease.
“Most of us know or will know someone living with a cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s,” says Reshma. “If you feel moved to help raise awareness for cognitive decline and memory impairments, here are meaningful ways you can help.”
Share your story.
Everyone in the nation has been touched in some way by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Sharing your story helps reduce the stigma of this form of cognitive impairment and helps others realize they’re not alone. Beyond using a hashtag or sharing your story on social media, look for meaningful ways to share your (or a loved one’s) story in more personal ways, whether through a support group or other platform where you can reach others.
Fundraise for a cause.
The holidays are a chance for us to give (and give back), which means it’s a perfect time of year to raise money to help fund research for a cure. There are many ways that you can raise money: doing a bake sale, a fundraising run or anything else that strikes your fancy. Whatever is meaningful to you and makes a difference in your life can make a difference in the lives of others.
Support caregivers in your life.
Family members are often considered to be secondary victims of Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the way that Alzheimer’s progresses, it becomes a way of life for not just the individual but for everyone in their immediate circle. If you aren’t a caregiver but know someone who is, here are some ways that you can provide some much-needed support:
- Offer respite care, whether that’s for a few hours or a weekend. Bonus points if you can offer respite care on a regular basis.
- Find ways to support the caregiver through acts of service, whether that’s running errands, helping coordinate assistance or researching options that will help make their life a little easier.
- Stay in touch – even though it may not seem like much, reaching out to the caregiver regularly will help them feel less alone and more like someone cares.
- Provide opportunities to help, whether that’s through a gift card, a cooked meal or anything else that you’re able to give. Remember, every little bit helps.
Visit those living with the disease.
While caring for the caregiver is important, it’s equally important to remember the person at the heart of this all – the one who’s living with the disease. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it’s not uncommon for people to shy away and disengage from visiting with an individual with memory loss. However, it’s important to remember that the disease doesn’t change who the person is. Those in the early stages of dementia would tell you that it’s more important than ever to have friends reach out and spend meaningful moments when possible. Remember, no matter what stage of dementia your friend or loved one is experiencing, there are still many opportunities to experience joy and happiness. Even if the individual is unable to recognize who you are, the fond feelings and emotional happiness you can bring to them will linger long with positive effects, even if they can’t remember the interchange.
Ultimately, the best thing you as an advocate can do is show up and share the reality of Alzheimer’s disease in an accessible way. “Knowledge is power, and the more visibility we bring to this form of cognitive impairment, the more we as a society will understand the reality and be able to work towards a solution,” says Reshma.
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features, including soft colors and lighting, directional cues, and aromatherapy, empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.