“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Wave Awareness
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging and is not just a disease of old age. However, the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older.
Studies show that cognitive impairment may remain unrecognized in 27% to 81% of affected patients in primary care. However, of these patients with cognitive impairment, 60% to 80% have Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the only top-10 cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed, making it one of the most important unmet medical needs of our time. From 2000 to 2015, deaths associated with Alzheimer’s disease increased by 123% while other major causes have declined.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or a way to stop or slow its progression, there are drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms. Understanding available options can help individuals living with the disease and their caregivers to cope with symptoms and improve quality of life.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes may help you manage your condition. For example, your doctor might develop strategies to help you or your loved one: focus on tasks, limit confusion, avoid confrontation, get enough rest every day, stay calm. Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease in which there are many unknowns. What is known is that the condition worsens over time, but treatment can help delay symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you think you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s, talk with your doctor. They can help make a diagnosis, and help connect you with services and support, and provide information on clinical trials, if you are interested.
Club Activities During COVID-19
Fuquay Varina Junior Woman’s Club Prior to COVID-19 they had a 3rd blood drive scheduled at the FV Baptist Church. Unfortunately, the church was unable to host the drive, so they scrambled to find a new location because of the shortage of blood in the area.
Stephen’s Hardware in downtown Fuquay stepped up and the Club quickly updated publications with the new location and watched as donor sign-ups climbed. They had great community response, so they worked with the American Red Cross and Stephen’s Hardware to schedule another drive for the following Friday. (At both drives they practiced social distancing and sanitized all surfaces.) In two weeks’ time, they helped the American Red Cross collect 111 units of blood, and impact 333 lives, using platelets, plasma and red blood cells. They are in constant communication with the Red Cross to host more drives as needed.
GFWC of Holden Beach continues to support Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home, the primary beneficiaries of their Annual Gala, which was canceled, and student scholarship programs. They have been zooming to meetings to stay in touch!
Mary Stewart WC and JWC of Raleigh have partnered to provide lunches for the women of the Helen Wright Center – homeless shelter for women.