On October 26, 2013, the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” will be taking place at Harbor Plaza in Suisun. This is a fundraiser organized by the Alzheimer’s Association and all money raised goes to them for research toward a cure. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. Details and route information may be found on the Solano County Walk’s website.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a horrible disease. If you know someone with it, you already know this. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States overall and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. It is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or even slow its progression. Deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 68 percent between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases, including the number one cause of death (heart disease), decreased.
The Alzheimer’s Association also reports that the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will grow as the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to increase. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million—a 40 percent increase from the 5 million age 65 and older currently affected. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.
Recognizing the severity of the disease, the Social Security Administration, has designated “early-onset of Alzheimer’s Disease,” as a condition on their list of compassionate allowances. The list is a list of severe life threatening conditions. If an applicant has one of the listed conditions, he or she may qualify for disability benefits and Social Security will approve the case with minimal medical evidence and process it quickly.
It is important that we find a way to cure this disease. Hope to see you on the walk on October 26.
