Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, a devastating illness. There are over 5 million cases in the U.S. and 26 million worldwide. Every person alive today has been or will be affected by Alzheimer's. There is no cure for the disease. It is terminal. Current medications only postpone the inevitable.  Progress is being made through research, but continued financial support is needed.

Along with those suffering from Alzheimers, there are 11 million caregivers in the U.S. taking care of these individuals or those with other dementia-related illnesses. 75% of these caregivers are women.

We all know someone who is taking care of someone with some form of dementia. More caregivers die before their loved ones because they fail to take care of themselves. Caregiving is a 24/7 job.

Here are some things you can do for the caregivers and those they care for that you know:

• If they participate in an Alzheimer's Walk support them financially or walk with them.
• Bake a batch of cookies. Cook a dinner.
• Give them a gift certificate to the hairdressers or for a massage.
• Offer to stay with their loved one so they can take some time for themselves. With the holidays approaching they could use some time to shop without worrying. Caregivers worry all the time they are away from their loved ones. Having someone responsible stay with them relieves some of that worry.
• Call to chat or come over for coffee (and bring the muffins).
• Don't ever compare your misplaced keys with Alzheimers. This is insensitive and ignorant. People who have Alzheimers not only don't remember what they had for dinner, they don't remember they ate. As the disease progresses they don't know what year it is or who just left the house. Eventually they will not know the names of those they love.

I know these things because my partner of 31 years was diagnosed with Alzheimers two years ago. Don't forget those dealing with this disease. Just because someone may ask you the same question repeatedly somewhere inside is the person you knew---the person with whom you played golf, tennis, worked, had dinner, taught your children.

November is Alzheimers Awareness Month---become aware.

Barbara Meehan

Fir Street