INDIANAPOLIS —
Alzheimer’s disease is an international epidemic impacting a growing number of families around the world, including 120,000 in Indiana, and threatening the global economy.
Yet, it is often misunderstood, preventing people from seeking medical treatment and securing desperately needed support.
In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is unveiling tips created by people living with Alzheimer’s on how to address the stigma surrounding the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, now in its seventh year, is composed of men and women from across the country who provide their unique insight on the needs of people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Current and former early-stage advisers developed the following tips on how to combat stigma based on their personal experiences:
• Communicate the facts about dementia. Accurate information helps clear up misconceptions about the disease.
• Seek out friends and foster a positive way of communicating, explaining to others what it is like to have the disease, how you are coping and what projects you have planned for the future.
• Be open and direct about the diagnosis and engage the person in a discussion about Alzheimer’s disease and the need for methods of prevention, treatment and a cure.
• Denial of the disease by others is “about them” and not about you. There are those who may be quick to think people living with Alzheimer’s are simply going through the normal aging process. This is a perfect time to educate them.
• There are a lot of people who do and will support you and keep you involved in their activities. Stay connected to them and focus on what you can still do; Connect and seek support from other individuals who are also living with the disease or are caregivers.
• There is no shame in having Alzheimer’s — it is a disease. Talk openly about it.
• Advocate for self and be a part of the solution by speaking out and educating others.
• Give others a link to information or booklet so they can understand Alzheimer’s disease has various stages.
“It is only by shining a light on the reality of Alzheimer’s disease that we will be able to ultimately eliminate this growing public health threat,” said Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive Director Heather Hershberger.
“We have an urgent need to build awareness and understanding of the disease as a new individual develops Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia every 68 seconds.”
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and overcoming stigma, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/indiana.
Health & Fitness
Association addresses Alzheimer’s stigma
- Health & Fitness
-
-
Stay cool when exercising this summer
Early summer weather can provide the ultimate motivation to get outside and be active.
- Support groups: June 12, 2013
-
Mental health education, wellness event planned
The Human Resources Center of Edgar and Clark Counties is having an open house: “A ‘New Era’ in Mental Health and Recovery,” a free public education and wellness event.
-
Mental health first aid course scheduled
There will be a mental health first aid course with Youth MHFA certification from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 21 at the Human Resources Center, 118 E. Court, Paris, Ill.
-
CHRIS DAVIES: Good old-fashioned exercise helps you get through the day
Are you looking for more energy to get through the day? Look no further than good old-fashioned exercise.
-
Weight Watchers open house set
Weight Watchers will host a “Live Life Active” open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Meadows Shopping Center.
-
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease at free workshop
“Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: The Basics,” a free workshop on Alzheimer’s disease, will be from 11 a.m. to noon June 5 at the Vigo County Public Library.
-
Newsmaker: May 29, 2013
The work of health care providers, public safety workers and community leaders who have given above and beyond care to Hoosier children was celebrated at the 2nd Annual Health Care Heroes Breakfast on May 22 at Ruth Lilly Education Center.
-
Skin cancer is next Dine with a Doc topic
Another free Dine with a Doc lunch event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 22 at the Wabash Senior Citizen’s Center, 300 S. Fifth St.
-
Support Groups: May 15, 2013
Cancer Friendship Group, featuring a journaling workshop with therapeutic writer Nia Klein, 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, conference room B, Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center; 217-465-2606, ext. 290.
-
Protect yourself from skin cancer
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Monday was designated as Melanoma Monday to help raise awareness of melanoma and other skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and affects more people than lung, breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
-
Paris Hospital Volunteers' chocolate sale is May 23-24
The Paris Community Hospital Volunteers will sponsor a South Bend Chocolate Company sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 23 and 24 near the FMC rotunda entrance.
-
Stay safe during flooding with tips
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods can develop over the course of a few weeks or happen quickly.
-
Support groups: May 8, 2013
Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors Inc.,
-
Journal writing workshop coming up at Paris hospital
Therapeutic writer Nia Klein will conduct a journal writing workshop at the Cancer Friendship Group meeting at 10 a.m. May 21 in conference room B at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center.
-
Church to sponsor blood drive
Trinity Lutheran Church is sponsoring a blood drive from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday in Fellowship Hall at the church, 2620 Ohio Blvd.
-
Walk to bring hope to bereaved families, awareness
Compassionate Friends of the Wabash Valley are sponsoring a “Walk to Remember,” to support families after a child dies, from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 18 at Larrison Pavilion in Deming Park.
-
Dine with a Doc to feature ISU professor
A free Dine with a Doc event, featuring Lisa Borrero Ph.D., is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Providence Housing Corp. All Place in West Terre Haute.
-
Free Vial of Life kits available in Paris
In recognition of National Hospital Week in May, Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center will provide free Vial of Life kits to the community.
-
Free Zumba Gold presentation offered
The Maple Center for Integrative Health and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offer a free presentation on Zumba Gold by Cathleen Drobny from 1 to 3:30 p.m. May 1 in Westminster Village at 1120 East Davis Drive.
-
Senior Menu: April 24, 2013
Reservations are required 24 hours in advance at all senior citizens dining sites in Vigo, Clay, Parke, Vermillion, Sullivan and Putnam counties.
-
Child Passenger Safety Tech course coming up
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration certification course for child passenger safety will be conducted from 8 AM to 5 PM on May 2, 3, 10, and 11.
-
Health briefs: April 24, 2013
‘Alzheimer’s for Caregivers: Late Stage’ presentation set for May
-
Crawford County Triathlon slated for May 25
Lincoln Trail College and Ecton Hardware are hosting the Crawford County Triathlon on May 25 at the college.
-
April 26 sharing session to be therapeutic for Parkinson’s patients
Strength in numbers.
That concept underlies the theme of a gathering Friday, April 26 in Westminster Village. People afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, and friends and family who care for those ailing folks, will share their stories of their struggles and successes with the progressive disorder that touches more than 1 million American lives. -
Get a hair cut and health screenings all in one stop
Visiting the barber shop today could mean more than just getting a haircut; it might save your life.
-
Dine with a Doc to feature Dr. Roland Kohr
Another Dine with a Doc event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Providence Housing Corporation All Place, 219 North Providence Place, West Terre Haute.
-
Hunter education course scheduled this weekend
An Indiana Hunter Education Course is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Good Hope Baptist Church, 440 W. County Road 850 S., in Clay City.
-
Hospice hosting ‘Run and Remember’ fundraiser
Hospice of the Wabash Valley will be hosting a “Run and Remember” fundraising event at 11 a.m. Saturday at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.
-
Disability Awareness Month events planned
Bridges of Indiana has planned two events in March to celebrate Disability Awareness Month.
- More Health & Fitness Headlines
-
Stay cool when exercising this summer
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Robot Action Connected to Human Thought
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels
California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Transgender Candidate Running in NYC
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Today in History June 18
Oklahoma City Thunder Players Tour Moore
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies
NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
