Alzheimer’s Disease is described as “progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.” Even though it is not as nationally recognized as other diseases, there are around five and a half million cases of Alzheimer’s in the United States alone. No cure for Alzheimer’s currently exists. The only way to temporarily improve the confusion and memory loss is by strict management strategies and by taking prescribed medications.

    According to alz.org, the ten most common warning signs of the disease are memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty solving or planning problems, challenges completing familiar daily tasks, confusion with place or time, trouble understanding visual images, new problems with speaking and writing, losing the ability to retrace steps, poor judgement, withdrawal from work or social activities and changes in mood or personality.

    Former President Ronald Reagan designated November to be National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in 1983. The universal color that represents the disease is purple. The website’s main call to action slogan is to get people to “Go purple with a purpose.”

    The financial aspect and the strenuous time and effort that needs to be put in to support a person with Alzheimer’s can take its toll on any family. Every donation helps the unfortunate victims and families that have to deal with the stranglehold of Alzheimer’s Disease every day. Awareness of this life changing disease spreads more and more with the increase in the number of diagnosed patients every year.