What You Can Do About Alzheimer’s, The ‘Family Disease’

On any day, particularly World Alzheimer’s Day, the statistics on Alzheimer’s disease are alarming.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Since 2000, while deaths attributed to heart disease have decreased by 14 percent, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased nearly 90 percent, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dementia specialists from the Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging provided information and answered questions Sept. 21 at several Hartford HealthCare locations in observance of World Alzheimer’s Day. You can find centers at Hartford Hospital; The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain and Bradley Memorial campuses; MidState Medical Center; and the Center for Healthy Aging offices in Vernon and Bloomfield.

Alzheimer’s disease is often considered a “family disease,” because of the stress and responsibility that falls on those who love and care for an individual affected by it. With the longer life spans and baby boomers coming of age, support for research is more crucial than ever before.

To learn more about memory loss, sign up for a  free educational seminar Nov. 7 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Westfarms mall at the Hartford HealthCare Wellness at Westfarms Rest and Relaxation Lounge on the first floor, Nordstrom wing. To register, call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).

For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, call the center toll-free at 1.877.4AGING1/1.877.424.4641.

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not-for-profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, is a resource and assessment center designed to enhance access to services and information related to attaining optimal quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, click here.