Charles Fuschillo, President/CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America retuned to discuss the latest on their programs and services and their upcoming Educational Conference in Philadelphia on November 15th. We began with a discussion of Alzheimer’s disease, it is not ‘dementia’ nor an unavoidable part of the aging process. We discussed the numbers, in PA there are 280,000 plus living with it, two-thirds are women and those ‘social determinates’ – access to care, education, proper nutrition, can play a part in developing the disease. He spoke of the onset, from forgetting words and difficulty in planning, through changes in mood, confusion and personal hygiene issues through to the late stages. His advice, do not ignore or ‘cover up’ these symptoms, seek medical advice. It could be a nutritional deficiency or a drug reaction, if it is as early sign of Alzheimer’s, there are medications and life skills tools to help delay the progression.
We discussed the mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, support and training for caregivers, research, political advocacy for housing, insurance and caregiver support, and education. To address the need for more information they have been ‘on tour’ of the US, sponsoring educational conferences for families and patients, caregivers and medical professionals, with a final stop in Philadelphia November 15th at the Doubletree on Broad Street. Speakers will include researchers, legal experts, practitioners and more, to address all aspects of life with Alzheimer’s. Registration is free at alzfdn.org. Look for ‘Events’