The summer solstice on June 20 was the longest day of the year. There were more sunlight hours on this day than any others. For the Alzheimer’s-affected community, every day is a long day.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is often a 24/7 job. Nearly 7 million Americans are suffering with Alzheimer’s. The average lifespan of the disease is eight to 10 years. Over that time, one individual has an average of 10 caregivers. To the primary caregiver, usually a spouse or child, every day can be a challenge. We refer to it as Dr. Peter Rabins does in his book, "The 36-Hour Day."
It is the cancer of this century. The disease is finally getting attention as the cost to the American people through Medicare is astronomical. New drug therapies are offering some promise to slow the disease's progress, but they are unaffordable to many. We are fortunate here to have Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area to assist families navigating the information and resources available, and Charlie’s Place Respite Center as well as the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention at Pennington conducting research and clinical trials.
No one should have to face Alzheimer’s alone. We are here to help make those long days less stressful through an array of education, support and respite programs.
BARBARA W. AUTEN
executive director, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area