Throughout November, organizations all over the country are encouraging people to wear purple, the color of Alzheimer’s Awareness, or teal, the color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The month also serves as a time to educate people on how to identify early warning signs because they can significantly impact quality of life.
“I think it’s important for people to learn about Alzheimer’s disease because it raises awareness about the mind and how this disease affects it. Alzheimer’s can’t be cured, but education helps people understand the importance of early recognition and gain compassion for those living with it,” said Wendy King, Director of Nursing Center Senior Living of Moline. “As people age, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases, so understanding the disease now can help future generations prepare and promote research toward finding better treatments, and hopefully one day, even a cure.”
This month is not only a time to support those living with Alzheimer’s, but also about recognizing the caregivers and families who devote themselves to ensuring the well-being of their loved ones. People can get involved by volunteering, participating in local fundraisers, or donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Even something as simple as having a conversation can help grow awareness.
“I wish more people understood that Alzheimer’s is more than just a diagnosis,” King said. “It’s a person, a family, and a lifetime of stories and memories. Behind every individual is someone who was once a pilot, a teacher, a doctor, a professor, an actress. It’s someone who lived and dreamed. Alzheimer’s may change their memory, but it doesn’t erase who they are or the impact they’ve had on others.”
