Imagine Going Blank…

Saturday September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, a day when we reflect together on the huge impact of dementia! A report, recently presented by the Alzheimer Europe association, estimates that currently 8.8 million people live with Alzheimer’s in the European Union. It’s estimated that in 2050 it will affect more than 16 million people!

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for more than 50 brain diseases. It is the name for a combination of symptoms (a syndrome) in which the brain can no longer process information properly. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Dementia develops slowly, often over a period of decades. There is no single cause of dementia, but over the years more and more risk factors are known to increase the risk of dementia including, an unhealthy lifestyle, heredity and other diseases and conditions.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Most people immediately think of memory problems when they think of Alzheimer’s. And that’s right! But other symptoms can also occur, including disorientation in time and place, difficulty with language and speech and difficulty with everyday actions, among others.

Did you know?

Scientists think we can prevent dementia if we live healthier, which could result in 30 per cent fewer cases of the disease! The main risk factors for dementia include high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol, diabetes, smoking, elevated cholesterol, unhealthy diet, low exercise and low social interaction.

Forget-me-Not!

At Delftse Poort we find it important to create more awareness on the subject of Alzheimer’s. How to recognize symptoms, how to cope with Alzheimer’s and just as important, how to prevent Alzheimer’s! This is why, we have this Alzheimer Campgain from 15-26 September and on the last day, from 11 am to 2 pm volunteers will give a brief explanation about Alzheimer and hand out a ‘Forget-me-Not’ bracelet or keychain at the FitLife Fair!