It seems odd, doesn’t it? Nearly everything I’ve been reading on dementia has to do with Alzheimer’s. It may have something to do with it afflicting more of the population, worldwide, than any other, but still.
I remember years ago, about 1981 when Alzheimer’s was a new disease - there were so many people discussing it. The reasons for their grandparents being a little “off” now had a name - and they went with it. Books, movies, television shows, talk shows - the gamut - all featured speakers on this newly named affliction. The research was beginning to produce some results and still no one knew what it was.
Fast forward to where we are today and you still won’t be considered ‘out of the loop’ of you’ve not heard of any of the other types of dementia - Alzheimer’s is the favored topic. It’s quite interesting to note that so many still associate any form of dementia with Alzheimer’s and will argue tooth and nail that they’re all just a different form of the same disease - even some caretakers! What the ??????? But then, perhaps I’ve been enlightened because of circumstances in my life.
To the general population, dementia isn’t something demanding attention - No, it’s swept away and put into a figurative box with caution tape surrounding it. It’s an inevitable truth for many, and the future numbers of those who will be diagnosed will increase dramatically over the next 35 years! In fact, according to the article, Soaring dementia rates prompt call for global action, those numbers will skyrocket from approximately 35 million today to 155 by 2050 unless interventions are produced and put into place. Think about that nugget for a moment. The population is estimated to decline by approximately 37 million people during that time, as well. What does that mean for you?
At this time, 1 in 8 people is touched by dementia. If the population is at risk for developing the condition at such an alarming rate (due to genetics, the environment, and other factors) doesn’t this mean we should all be considering options? What may lie in store for you or me? Should one of us be stricken how would/could we handle this?
Some will consider suicide, others will doctor their wills to ensure their heirs will not inherit much if they’re put away in a home, and still others will find other options. What would you do? How will you handle your loved ones should they be afflicted? Will you take the high road? Will you find reasonable options that help you and your loved one(s)?
You might also be considering the different forms of dementia in order to begin weighing options. Mom has a very good quality of life at this time; in fact, she is better off now than she would have been had she been brought into one of our homes. She has round the clock care, a regular schedule, regular visitors, activities, room to walk and roam, and good meals with no conflict (unless, of course, she determines it’s warranted). What would you do?
Yes, Alzheimer’s gets all the attention, but other forms such as Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, Sundowner’s, and others are still being researched - although without the funding given to their more prevalent relative.
While there are funding avenues (Amazon Smile is one program in which a portion of your purchase is donated to a charity or organization of your choice, and there are sites for the organizations such as LBDA.org, Alzheimers.org, among others) and you can help make the difference.
While interventions are coming out, they’re still experimental and no one is quite sure the outcomes. There may be some ethical channels that also need to be navigated with some of these procedures, as well. Stay tuned, as I may be investigating some of these in future posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment