The fall Alzheimer’s Walk season is about to begin. So… let’s look at why you need to join in.
1. Walking is good for you. It is one of the best kinds of exercise you can do. Sometimes there are 1 mile and 3 mile options, but most walks are under three miles (if you want to go the whole way).
If you are unable to walk, support someone who has that ability. If you can go by wheelchair, follow the example of the Olympics, and get out – even for a block! It’s fun to be there at the beginning of the walk, and just watch or listen to the hustle and bustle.
Different cities have different days and times. Use this map to locate the walk closest to you. Then you can check if there’s a team you’d like to join. You could start a team of your own. Or just walk as plain and simple you!
2. Really can’t walk? Volunteer! There’s still time! Call 800.272.3900. Or in NH or MA email alzwalkMANH@alz.org. In NJ, you’d email: specialevents@alznj.org.
Once you get to the page for your nearest city, you’ll see that there is a link to “Event contacts.” So just go there and make a contact. Just do it!
3. About Alzheimer’s. Well, so far it, is here to stay. There’s no cure. So lots of money is needed for research. If you read Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 2012 the statistics are sobering. Here are some quotes:
…the disease appears to increase dramatically with age, from approximately 53 new cases per 1,000 people age 65 to 74, to 170 new cases per 1,000 people age 75 to 84, to 231 new cases per 1,000 people over age 85.
the annual incidence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to double by 2050.
• [today] every 68 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s
• by mid-century, someone in America will develop the disease every 33 secondsTotal payments for health care, long-term care and hospice for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are projected to increase from $200 billion in 2012 to $1.1 trillion in 2050 (in 2012 dollars). This dramatic rise includes a six-fold increase in government spending under Medicare and Medicaid and a five-fold increase in out-of-pocket spending [by patients and families].
4. Is There a Gender Difference? The Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 2012 states that there is no difference in disease occurrence in men and women. But a 2009 study published by NIH suggests that women may be more at risk than men. Apparently more research is needed. But, as we have mentioned in previous columns, women live longer, and medical care is increasingly expensive. Therefore, women are more at risk for poverty.
So – join in the walk!!!!!!!!!! Donate money!!!!!!!!!!!!!