Weekly Digest: Elevating Awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease

September is World’s Alzheimer’s Month. Aside from taking the steps to prepare ourselves for this disease (such as medical checkups for early onsets of the disease, checking for support groups, discussing LTC insurance plans with specialists, setting money aside in case something happens in the future, etc.), what better way to celebrate this month’s theme than creating awareness for this mental disorder? And for us to spread awareness, we need to learn the latest in Alzheimer’s. Let’s find out what’s up with this form of dementia in this week’s roundup:

Ask Well: Is Dementia the Same as Alzheimer’s Disease?

In a NY Times blog post, Roni Caryn Rabin discussed the often-asked question that people have about Alzheimer’s – what makes that disease different from dementia? Rabin pointed out the key factors that make Alzheimer’s stand out from other forms, proving that proper information about the disease still needs to be addressed to the public.

‘The Songaminute Man’ doesn’t let Alzheimer’s tarnish his tunes

Alzheimer’s awareness, one song at a time! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote about the wonderful way Mac McDermott and his father, Ted, face Alzheimer’s together. As a way to bond, Mac decided that singing songs in the car would be the best way to connect with his father. In a series of entertaining clips, Ted showcased his vocal talents which not only lightened his burden of dealing with the disease but also got the attention of Alzheimer’s awareness groups worldwide.

Going public: Alzheimer’s edition

Doug Powell of the Barf Blog recently wrote his take on Gene Wilder’s decision of not going public about being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Citing Wilder’s family’s statement on Alzheimer’s, Powell stated that the actor should have disclosed his disease as a way to cope and recognize his condition. The post is an interesting perspective on Alzheimer’s awareness, definitely worth a read.

Alzheimer’s research should set its sights on prevention

Dr. Jack C. de la Torre, in a special feature for the Star-Telegram, discusses the importance on why medical research should focus more on prevention when it comes to Alzheimer’s. According to de la Torre, significant time (and resources) has been wasted mainly on the cause of the disorder.  Pushing for studies angled towards prevention may help preserve normal cognitive functions, which may result in early interventions when needed.

Wonders Of Mediterranean Food: Diet Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease, Slows Memory Loss & Wards Off Heart Disease

Here’s a gastronomical way to create awareness for Alzheimer’s. Opting for a Mediterranean diet may just be the key to preventing the onset of the disease! Parent Herald writer, Samantha Finch, discussed what makes Greek food a potent dish to combat the mental disorder. Yum-yum – olive oil and lean sources of protein, anyone?