Alzheimer’s and a Reason to Hope
The Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association put on their annual Reason to Hope fundraising breakfast yesterday morning. More than 300 hundred guests attended, filling over thirty tables. The event was held at the beautiful Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland.
Jackie Labrecque, a local reporter for KATU News, welcomed everyone before turning the microphone over to Marilyn and Patrick Fleming. The couple spoke about their experiences dealing with the disease first-hand. Patrick was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago, and Marilyn is his primary caregiver.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, impacting more than 15 million friends, family members, and caregivers. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, changing the brain on a microscopic level. While age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s, genetics, serious head injuries, and overall health are other elements to consider. Scientist have discovered that tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and heart problems may lead to a higher rate of the disease.
The symptoms worsen over time, progressing from mild memory loss to severe control, response, and personality changes. On average, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years, however they can live as long as twenty more years.
The next Reason to Hope speaker was Tracy Morgan, director of the Oregon Chapter. She talked about resources available to those affected as well as opportunities to get involved. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 helpline to support people with the disease, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the public. They have professional clinicians available for consultations, who can provide support, crisis assistance, and education. The Alzheimer’s Association website is also available day and night and provides a plethora of resources available both online and locally in the community. They have support groups and education programs happening worldwide, year-round.
Dr. Dean Hartley, Director of Science Initiatives, spoke highly of the research, clinical studies, and new approaches to detection and treatment. The disease is just now getting recognition and funding to further investigations – 90% of what is known about Alzheimer’s was only discovered in the last twenty years.
Researchers have recently developed several ways to clear beta-amyloid, the protein that builds up into plaques in the brain. Experimental drugs that zero in on these proteins are now being tested. There is no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but new research suggests that maintaining a healthy heart may greatly reduce the risk.
Memories in the Making, an art auction and gala, will be held in Portland on May 13, 2016 at the Sentinel Hotel. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for more details, www.alz.org.
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