It was reported in the March 2008 issue of the Archives of Neurology, a Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) publication, that children of parents who have both been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have an increased risk of developing the disease. How can adults whose parents, and even sometimes grandparents as well, were diagnosed with Alzheimer's gain access to dementia screenings, resources and support? Have you participated in memory screenings and do you have any fears of developing Alzheimer's yourself?
I certainly don’t live my life in fear and yet I am not naïve about my increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. I do everything I can to become educated about possible preventions, including supplements, diet and lifestyle changes and stress management. Memory screenings seem, in my opinion, like a great tool in the arsenal against memory robbing illnesses. It is only when we have knowledge that we can become empowered to effect change. Being in the darkness about something as insidious as Alzheimer’s disease offers nothing. We’ve had so many people come to our Web site to take both the depression screening and memory screening. Both are free preliminary tools to use as an information gathering process to take to your doctor. I have taken the Leeza’s Place memory screening. While it is not a tool of diagnosis, I believe my outcome reflects that of most other people; a sigh of relief that I show my memory to be within normal range. Even if it is not, there are things we can do to manage our risk and slow the onslaught of symptoms. These things happen best when they are revealed early on in the process.
Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every 71 seconds. A cure couldn’t come soon enough. You have spoken out in favor of human embryonic stem cell research. Last year you were named to the board that oversees California's stem cell research agency. Meanwhile, drug therapies that could reverse some of the memory loss caused by Alzheimer's are being tested. So-called Alzheimer's disease vaccines are also in development. Which potential cures do you feel are most promising right now?
Alzheimer’s disease is like a great big jigsaw puzzle and we are having the darndest time trying to put the pieces together. It’s such a mysterious and baffling illness. I am very hopeful about the treatments, remedies, vaccines and ultimately cures that may be derived from stem cell research, not only from human embryonic stem cells but from adult cells and umbilical cord blood as well. There are some great success stories out there and everyday we’re getting closer and closer to learning what actually might cause the disease. I believe the memory disorder community should band together to be one voice heard loud and clear above the fray. This disease is bankrupting our health care system and is tearing families apart everyday. We must ensure that those who are forgetting will not be forgotten.
For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease, check out these HealthCentral resources and related links:
The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
Make a Donation to Leeza’s Place in Honor of Your Loved One
Leeza’s Place Memory Screening
2008 Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures Report
Related HealthCentral Alzheimer’s Articles:
Concerned About Memory Loss: Get Screened
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: Caregiving Guidelines
Counseling Benefits Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers
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