Did you know that actress and dancer Rita Hayworth was diagnosed in 1980 with Alzheimer’s, a disease that had been forgotten since its discovery by the medical community in 1906? This disease contributed to her death in 1987, at the age of 68. Public disclosure and discussion of her illness drew attention to Alzheimer’s once again.
Because of this exposure, the Alzheimer’s Association was formed in 1980, dedicated to advances in research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia while enhancing the care for those living with the disease.
In 1982, then president Ronald Reagan designated the first Alzheimer’s Awareness Week and in 1989, the very first walk called the Memory Walk was started.
In 2015 alone, total payments for health care, long-term care and hospice are estimated to be $226 billion – yes, billion – for Americans 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – with five million Americans being diagnosed and 24 million people worldwide. These are staggering numbers. Only 45 percent of people with Alzheimer’s, or their caregivers, reported being told of their diagnosis by the medical profession.
How can we help? What can the average person do?
Raising awareness through education, reaching out to our community and assisting with fundraising are the simplest but most effective ways we can help.
Every year, Prescott and the surrounding communities join in the The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is a wonderful fundraising program. Through your donations and participation, let’s work together to end this horrific disease! QCBN
Marsha Dashney is the life enrichment coordinator at Highgate at Prescott Lakes.