Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
The month of June is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. More than 5 million Americans suffer from this disease. About 360,000 of those who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease live in Texas. The Department of Human and Health Services recently estimated that a new case of Alzheimer’s disease develops every 66 seconds. This month is dedicated to educating our nation on the effects, symptoms, and treatments this potentially deadly disease has on our citizens.
Dementia is a general medical term used to diagnose memory loss or other mental abilities that is severe enough to intrude on the individual’s daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases that significantly affect the person’s memory, thinking, and/or behavior.
People typically develop Alzheimer’s around their mid-60s. This disease is not a normal part of aging, though. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by multiple factors including age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and/or other medical conditions like high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease include a decrease in cognitive functions like difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness/repetitive, inability to create new memories, and/or the inability to do simple math or remember common things. Behavioral and mood changes like difficulty with self-care, agitation, aggression, irritability are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, as well. This disease can also affect physical mobility and control of the individual in the later stages of the disease.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment options are available. Treatment options include medication and management systems. Medication and physical exercise programs are aimed at improving mental function by encouraging better blood flow/lower blood pressure and improving their mood balance. Specialists like Occupational Therapists, Geriatrician, Neurologists, Psychiatrists, etc. have developed programs to treat the varying symptoms.
The Alzheimer’s disease is developing more rapidly than before. Educating ourselves on prevention and early diagnoses of this disease can help us improve the lives of family and friends. For more information on the Alzheimer’s disease, please visit these websites Texas Department of State and Health Services, Alzheimer’s Association, and National Institute On Aging.
The upcoming Special Session will give the Texas Legislature the start time to review and address the issues that the Governor has identified. If you would like to stay informed on what occurs during the Special Session beginning July 18th, please visit Texas Legislature Online.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
