The goal of March’s educational piece is to better equip caretakers and family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Readers can learn more about this month’s initiative on our Think aBout It webpage.
In 1906 a German physician, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, pioneered the connection of microscopic brain changes with patients experiencing serious memory loss and other neurological changes. In a brain autopsy, Dr Alzheimer observed brain lobe atrophy and abnormal deposits in nerve cells in patients with the cognitive disorder. In 1910 the disease was named after Dr. Alzheimer.
Alzheimer’s Disease remains one of the most recognized brain diseases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.5 million Americans are affected with Alzheimer’s. One in nine persons over the age of 65 have this pathology.
Awareness of the disease was raised substantially in 1994 when Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan shared with Americans his diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. In an open letter to Americans about his decision to share his diagnosis, President Reagan wrote: "In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.”
See our full educational piece on our webpage to learn about tools and tips for caregivers of those experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Educational Team
Plus One Foundation