MURRAY, KY – Alzheimer’s is a complex neurological disease that is the most common form of dementia. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s. This month, in particular, we want to raise awareness to adults age 65 and older. Beginning at this age the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia begins increasing, making mental health an important thing to think about.
“Alzheimer’s disease is often looked at as embarrassing, or like a death sentence. This disease is often misunderstood. Many are ashamed to talk about Alzheimer’s or admit how it has affected them. In reality, educating others and encouraging awareness are the best things we can do to fight this disease,” said Erin DeLancey, Speech Language Pathologist at Spring Creek Healthcare.
Seeing a doctor when facing memory loss is important, but there are also ways to proactively fight or minimize the effects of Alzheimer’s. There are four methods suggested by doctors that center on keeping the mind active:
1- Read.
Read anything, but keep a variety. Find books or magazines you haven’t read before, or try out a new genre of books. Subscribe to a daily newspaper; there is plenty of variety in the different stories. The goal here is to force your mind to engage, to think.
2- Do puzzles.
Just as reading forces your mind to engage, so do puzzles. This can be anything from a physical picture puzzle to a crossword or Sudoku. Word searches are good too. Pick up a puzzle book at a bookstore or try and complete the puzzles in your daily newspaper. Find a puzzle style you enjoy and dive into it.
3- Change your routine.
Continue your daily living, but try and add some variety to how you do it. If you have a certain route to drive or walk around, change it up every now and then. Try and break the routine by adding variety. This forces the brain to think more than it would in a normal, expected routine.
4- Exercise your body.
Keeping your mind in shape isn’t just a mental activity, physical exercise helps too. Exercise gets more blood flowing through the brain and releases stimulating chemicals. Don’t overexert yourself, but find a physical activity that you can do comfortably. Whether it’s walking, running, bowling or swimming, physical exercise can keep your mind in shape.
There are many other ways to keep your mind in shape, but those are four easy and simple ways to help prevent or diminish the effects of Alzheimer’s. However, if you do start to notice signs of memory loss, don’t avoid the doctor’s office. Early detection can make a big impact on how Alzheimer’s will affect you.
“Alzheimer’s is an evolving process. The symptoms do not show up all at once. This is why making your self aware of the signs and symptoms will improve your quality of life,” said Erin DeLancey.
When the later stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia bring problems, areas like Spring Creek Healthcare at MCCH offers a program called Music and Memory that lets patients listen to music to help bring back good memories and improve their way of life.
From the early to the deep stages, Alzheimer’s and Dementia can be treated and the impact can be lessened through preventative and reactive measures. While a cure may one day end the disease, treatment remains the best way to deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s.
For more information on Spring Creek Healthcare and/or the Music and Memory Program at MCCH, call (270) 752-2900.
Nearly seventy thousand people in Kentucky right now have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is only growing. Having the plates would raise awareness of the disease, which will become more prevalent as Kentucky’s population ages.
“The Alzheimer’s specialty plate has been a dream of ours for years,” said DeeAnna Esslinger, Executive Director of the Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana chapter. “Not only will the plates be a very visible reminder of those suffering with Alzheimer’s, but their sale will also help raise funds for local education initiatives.”
Alzheimer’s License Plate Update:
Applications received as of 11/8/16: 796. We need: 104 applications
Deadline: Our deadline to secure a total of 900 applications has been extended.
Next steps: We still need your help to meet our goal! Spread the word to family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Urge them to apply for this beautiful, purple license plate to help raise Alzheimer’s awareness and show support for those living with the disease as well as their caregivers.
If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY!
The Alzheimer’s Association has received approval from the State for an Alzheimer’s specialty Kentucky license plate for Alzheimer’s awareness and education in Kentucky.
Once we collect 900 applications from interested individuals, the state will issue the plates. Please help us meet this goal as soon as possible.
It’s easy!
- Fill out the application form and submit a check for $25.00 *Waived until 900 applications are received* made out to the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter and send to: Alzheimer’s Association, 6100 Dutchman’s Lane, Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40205.
- You will be notified by your local county clerk when your Alzheimer’s plate is ready to be picked up. Your $25.00 deposit will be applied to the initial or renewal fee. You will also have the option of including a $10.00 add-on that will fund Alzheimer’s awareness and education activities in Kentucky. If you decide to make the $10.00 donation please do so with a separate check.
- Plates will be available approximately 3 months after the 900 commitments are secured.