THE FACTS ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Last week, the World Alzheimer’s Association released their latest facts and figures about Alzheimer’s/dementia and it was devastating.
If we don’t find a way to stop this disease it is only going to get worse, much worse. The data tells us that it will take on epidemic proportions.
Right now, there are 47 million people living with dementia around the world. 47 M-I-L-L-I-O-N! Just think about that for a moment. We spend $818 B-I-L-L-I-O-N on caring for people with dementia every single year. That’s right now, today. Tomorrow will be even worse.
According to these statistics every 20 years the number is going to double. So by 2035, that number will rise to 94 million people living with Alzheimer’s/dementia around the world.
Right now, if dementia was a country it would be the 18th largest economy in the world. According to BusinessInsider.com the country with the 18th largest economy is Turkey. Alzheimer’s has the same economy as Turkey. Who do you think this falls on ladies? We are the ones most likely to get it, We are the ones who will most likely care for the people who get it, and we are the ones who most likely are going to be paying this unbearable price in more ways than just our money.
We are going to be paying for this with our money, our physical health, our mental health, our time, our futures, and the futures of our children. Children who will end up with the same burden that those who are caregiving today already deal with. To me, this is just unacceptable.
My family deals with Alzheimer’s/dementia every single day of our lives. It’s not something we think about every now and then. I hope that one day it will be a distant memory. Until that time we have to fight. Fight for our very lives to eradicate this disease before it gets to us. We have to stand up and say enough is enough. We need more research and more research costs dollars.
Remember to:
Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest.
I love you momma!
Alzheimer’s is such a common and awful disease to have to cope with. Thank you for your efforts in finding a cure. I know everyone dealing with the everyday challenges of Alzheimer’s would say the same!
Megan Elford recently posted…{Adventures} Our Visit To PEI
Sharing sharing because without the facts it’s all too easy to get paralyzed by fear.
Carla recently posted…Whats wrong with average?
Thanks so much Carla!
The statistics are shocking!
Rena, if you’re creating an ad, can you send me the details, so I can put it on my sidebar too?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Memorable Wayne Dyer Quotes
Thanks so much Corinne sorry it has taken me so long to answer you. The stomach bug really got me down for a couple of days. I’m working on one now, but I’ve never made one before. I’ve got it made but on Jetpak where you can add an image it’s not showing up for some reason. I let you know when I get the kinks worked out of it! Thanks so much for your help.
Thanks for sharing, Rena, and for raising awareness! My great-grandmother had Alzheimer’s so this cause is close to my heart.
Thanks so much Amanda! It’s always nice to hear from people who have been there before. I’m very sorry for your great-grandmother. Have a great day!
The statistics are shocking and frightening. We are seeing the start of dementia with my MIL and it’s very scary, but the new reality for our family. Good for you for making such an effort to find a cure.
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) recently posted…Apple and Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
I’m so sorry Karen! I hate to hear another family starting down the same road. I’m always hear if you need any help although I am far from a professional, but there is always a shoulder to lean on.
The stats are incredible but so is the emotional toll on all involved! Great advocacy Rena!!
Haralee recently posted…The Perfect Summer Dress Quest
You are so very right Haralee! Thanks so much.
Wow – I had no idea those were the numbers. We should find a local event like this to be a part of too. My wife’s grandma has alzheimers and we can definitely see how it affects a family.
Jacob Fu recently posted…How Our Camera Got Lifted By Lyft
I hope you do Jacob! You can find a walk near you at alz.org! Have a great day!
Just thinking about it scares the death out of me, since I worked with dementia patients before.Thanks for the post and making us all aware
Miranda (Myrabev) recently posted…{Sponsors} Thank you August 2015 sponsors
Thank you Miranda! It’s a very hard job to do. We need more people willing to do it.
Almost everyone I know has been touched by this horrible illness. Thank you for raising awareness and funds.
Hi Wendy! You are so right it’s getting so hard to find anybody who hasn’t been affected by it in some way. It’s a shame and I hope we can find a cure soon.
This disease is so heartbreaking to watch someone go through. It is also very hard on the family, I have seen it first hard.
Melissa recently posted…Family Wellness Travel: A Healthy Guide to Road Trips with your Family
It is so hard Melissa! Thank you for your comments.
Thanks so much for raising awareness for Alzheimer’s! When I was in High School, I volunteered with Alzheimer’s patients after school and it was amazing seeing the smiles on their faces whenever we’d visit <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted…12 Months of Happiness: August 2015
What a sweet memory Angelic! I wish more people would take the extra time for volunteerism like that~
Thank you so much for providing the Paypal option this year! I’ve sent some money. At least I think I have. I do wish I could send more but every little bit helps, right? Please check and see if it arrived. I got an error message after I hit send. (Me and electronics!) Let’s work on banning this terrible disease once and for all!
Diane recently posted…Lego My Kitty
Thanks you DianeI messed up and forgot to add the gmail.com to it, but you should already know that by now! I left you a message earlier! Have a great weekend!
wow the 18th largest country…that definitely puts things into perspective. I like to do something similar to raise awareness and funding for cancer every August. They have a 7 mile climb in my town and we usually raise a lot of money for it. Good for your for helping suppot a cure.
Heather recently posted…Our Friend Sent Us A Flat Stan!
That is also a very good cause and something that I also like to support when I can! Thanks so much Heather!
My great grandmother has Alzheimers and it breaks my heart to see her slowly losing the vibrant personality that she had. She is such a loving caring person who should be enjoying life. Makes me so sad.
Felicita Moncada recently posted…Bella Coffee Maker and Blender – Perfect for Back to School!
It’s very hard to go through it day after day and I am so sorry that you are experiencing it as well! Thanks so much for your comments Felicita!
Hi Rena! WOW! This disease is indeed horrible and hearing the cold hard facts make it even more so. Thank you for all you do to spread awareness and for doing the walk and helping to raise money. May the cure be something that is found sooner rather than later. ~Kathy
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com recently posted…Is Finding Your Balance Point A SMART Way To Live?
Definitely Kathy, it is something that I would love to see cured in my life time! As always I appreciate you support!
The statistic is shocking. Wow! Thank you for sharing this. Thank you for your work in raising money and awareness for this. Bless your heart!
Maureen recently posted…[Sponsored] Ultra Jaya Factory Visit with Tetra Pak
Thank you Maureen! I really appreciate your comments!
This is such a great cause, thank you for bringing so much attention to it. I actually didn’t even know that women were more likely to get it. I know that it’s something I’m fearful of. If I can I will come back and donate!
Angie recently posted…Chasing September
Thank you Angie! It is a very scary outlook for women. Hopefully a cure is just right around the corner.
I like that you’re willing to fight to help find a way to eradicate it. There truly must be a way. I believe.
Thank you Rosey! I’ve never been one to give up and roll over. I believe as well.
The stats is shocking for me too! Wow, to be honest I never really researched this so your post educated me a lot on this disease.
Shaney Vijendranath recently posted…The truth about being a Parent…
That’s terrific Shaney, I am glad you could learn something new! Spread the word!
This is such a huge problem facing all of our future. It’s going to continue to destroy lives and overburden the healthcare system until we can get a handle on things.
Jaime Nicole recently posted…General Mills & Walmart Box Tops for Education Challenge
Exactly Jaime, it’s going to be a mess! Thanks so much for your comments!
I cannot believe that there are 47 million people suffering from this devestating disease!! Thank you for spreading the word and fighting for a cure!!
Rebecca B. recently posted…Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Thank you Rebecca! I appreciate your comments.
That really sucks that women are more likely to suffer from dementia. I would totally participate in a walk for the cause.
Yona Williams recently posted…7 Gifts to Buy in September to Save the Most Money
Thank you Yona!
I am so happy to come across your blog! You are writing about such an important topic that has or will touch most of us in some way. Thank you so much for sharing this and bringing more education!
Thank you so much for your comments Chantal! I really appreciate it and I hope you will come back often.
Rena, you are raising awareness and working hard to be a part of the solution – while in the midst of caring for a family member. I admire you so much.
I will be supporting your walk again this year, and I really like Corinne’s idea. If you figure out how to create an ad that other bloggers can share, I would definitely put it on my sidebar!
Susan – ofeverymoment recently posted…Red Sky at Night, a Smoke-Filled Sky
You have made me cry with your sweet comments! I am in the process of creating that ad! I’ve got the ad made, but having trouble installing it on the blog. I’ll let you know! Thanks Susan for always being my support and more than anything my friend!
It’s so much more meaningful when you put all of the statistics into perspective. This is a disease that robs us of the essence of our loved ones. Congratulations on being such a forceful advocate.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…Check Mate or Why I Grilled Pizza
Thank yo so much Karen! I really appreciate your friendship.
I am not seeing the PayPal link or button. Can you let me know where to look or link? info@funandfit.org Heeeelp!
Kymberly recently posted…How to Fit in Exercise When You Don’t Have Time to Exercise
I’m sorry I’m struggling with the ads! My technological side isn’t working this week or something. The only way to donate through PayPal is to send it to me at rm29303@gmail.com and then I will donate it in your name! THanks so much Kymberly!
Such a terrible disease. I’m so proud of you for walking again this year – I just sent my donation! I would gladly share your ad on my blog too.
Lana recently posted…August Gratitude In Numbers
Thanks so much Lana! I really appreciate the support that both you and Susan always give me. Even though you don’t have this problem you still make sure to get the word out!
Such a great advocacy! Thank you so much for sharing this and spreading awareness.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted…Burger King Definitely #MarksBetter!
Thank you so much Peachy! Thank you for helping me spread that word! I really appreciate the support!