Sometimes we get lucky. We live long lives with few interruptions. Maybe, a skinned knee or a mild flu now and then. Maybe some osteoarthritis that wicks its way up from your toes to the tips of your fingers—nothing serious nor very painful.
Sometimes.
Then, there are those moments that intersect with life like some crazy tornado that rips our roof away and exposes us to our fragility. Our humanity. Those are the heart events, the strokes, the broken hips—Alzheimer’s disease. We do our best to avoid those tornadic occurrences that leave us broken and helpless. We exercise, eat our broccoli, hold our tongue to the side of our mouths as we work out the Sunday crossword puzzle. We drink our red wine. We watch our weight.
But for those among us who develop Alzheimer’s disease, there seems to be no rhyme nor reason. There is no preventative. Most sadly, there is yet no cure.
September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. As of 2010, there are an estimated 35.6 million people with dementia worldwide. By 2050, it is projected that this figure will have increased to over 115 million. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already 58% of people with dementia live in developing countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71%. The fastest growth in the elderly population is taking place in China, India, and their south Asian and western Pacific neighbors.
America isn’t immune. An estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease (2010). This figure includes 5.1 million people aged 65 and older and 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. In Texas alone, there are currently, 340,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, that number is expected to rise to 470,000. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that there are 500,000 Americans younger than 65 with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Of these, approximately 40 percent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s.
So, come and join me. Come walk with me. I’ll be walking to end Alzheimer’s on November 5th in Phoenix, Arizona. Lace up your shoes and come with me. Give. Generously. If you don’t know someone yet with Alzheimer’s, the sad news is that you will.
We need a cure—and you’re the hope.
Nickie,
I have been waiting for the newest “Walking Birds” and I am not disappointed. Although I cannot join you in person, I will donate as I can to a local center. I have a very good friend who’s wife is in a facility for about 3 years now, she is known lovely as “The Runner”. She periodically walks away and gets lost, her family has a few great experiences however, she does not remember them but kindness of others in her neighborhood have walked her back. My friend found a place within 6 blocks of his home.
Don, thank you for donating if you can. My best to your friend and his wife. My best to you as well.