A Post from Ellen Box

When I started this blog, I said that I might have others write posts. Here is a post from a friend who also has Early Stage Alzheimers. Her name is Ellen Box:

When Alzheimer’s took my mother from me, I realized this devastating disease had also taken my grandmother, my aunt and probably my great-grandmother.  At that point in medical history, it was simply stated that she “lost her mind” and was committed to an “insane asylum”.  We just really know that she also was a victim of Alzheimer’s.

With this family medical history, and some of the early symptoms indicating early Alzheimer’s, I discussed this with my primary physician.  He sent me to a Neurologist.  After extensive testing, laboratory work-ups, etc., I had X-rays, MRI’s and finally a PET Scan.  This final scan was to my Neurologist a positive diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer’s.  Not at all a surprise to me.  This was in April of 2005.

Ellen Box

10-14-10

congressional task force

It is good to know that the goverment is taking action for Alzheimer's.
The National Alzheimer's Project Act is based directly upon a lead recommendation in the final report of Alzheimer's Study Group, a bipartisan commission created by the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's disease and led by former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and fomer Democratic Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska that included leaders such as Justice Sandra Day o' Connor.

Alzhemier's is a progressive, devastating disease that results in the loss of memory and cognitive abilites, and in the ability to care for oneself independently. Without progress, as many as 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050 - yet there is still no strategic plan to address this looming public health crisis.

Finally,I have to say that I have Alzheimer's Disease and have had it for about there years. I am 61 years old. I get out, go to meusuems, keep in shape, jog 6 miles and lots more. I play golf weekly too. In the mean time, we have a real problem looming.
Jeff

ALL IT TAKES IS MONEY

WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH PEOPLE. NOW IT IS TIME FOR MONEY. SO HERE WE GO. THE NATIONAL Alzheimer's PROJECT OFFICE. IT COULD PROVIDE SOME MONEY BUT IT PALES IN COMPARISON TO THIS;IN THISYEAR ALONE, MEDICARE AND MEDICAD WILL SPEND $122 BILLION CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS. BY 205O MEDICARE AND MEDICIDCAID COSTS ARE ESTIMATED TO EXECEED $800 BILLION (IN 2010 DOLLARS).

GLOBALLY, THE PICTURE IS JUST AS GRIM. ACCORDING TO THE WORLD ALZHEIMER REPORT 2010, TOTAL ESTIMATED WORLDWIDE COSTS OF DEMENTIA ARE $604 billion; WANT MORE?

SAVE SOME MORE NEXT TIME.THE GOVERNMANT WILL HAVE THINGS TO SAY.

Race for the Cure

Recently, I particapated in the Race for the Cure to wipe out breast cancer. My sister died from Breast Cancer.  It is a terrible disease.

The event was amazing.  30,000 people, if not more, participated.
A friend of mine and I ran in the race.  Others walked.  We walked up and down, winding around others going not as fast as them.  I was surprised how many runners and walkers there were. And I was surprised how much up and down that went through neighborhoods down Allen park way.

The Race for the Cure started in 1982. No doubt there were few not many involved.  But over time, the Race brought more and more participants bringing more and more money for the cause.

But my cause is for Alzheimer's and the Alzheimer's Association.  I have Alzheimer's.  I want the Race for the Cure to continue but Alzheimer's Association need to get out in the community and catch up with The race for the cure.  That will be the subject of my next Blog.