Memorial Day
We’re celebrating Memorial Day this week. It’s a day to honor military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The Alzheimer’s Association, like so many other non-profits and businesses, takes Memorial Day to recognize the sacrifices made by American military veterans. We also want people to realize that many veterans are also living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
Mounting evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military exposures increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Over 400,000 Texans are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Every day you can read an obituary of a veteran – some going back to World War Two service – who died of complications from Alzheimer’s.
These men and women served their country bravely and with honor, but Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t care.
Perhaps they still had stories and memories to share with their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, but Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t care.
They get a flag draped casket and a 21 gun salute and a bugler playing taps, but Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t care.
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t care. But you can.
Go online to www.alz.org and find your local chapter. Find out how you can enlist in the fight against Alzheimer’s and honor those who have fallen.
There’s something you can do, from volunteering to fund raising.
If you have a question about Alzheimer’s disease, you can always call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 for more, or visit us at www.alz.org
And just a reminder – you can get information about the Association’s COVID-19 emergency preparedness guidelines for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in long-term or community-based care settings here:
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Scott Finley is Media Relations Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association® in Texas. He can be reached at scfinley@alz.org