The Association

uses funds raised by the numerous chapters throughout the country to research

the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease. Funds

are also used to provide education and support for people diagnosed with

the condition, their families, and caregivers.

According to

the National Charities Information Bureau, nonprofit organizations should

spend at least 60 percent of their budget on programs, with remaining

funds going to administrative and fund-raising expenses. At the Alzheimer's

Association, 75 percent of revenues go to programs, such as research,

while the remaining monies pay for management, general expenses, and program

improvement.

Mission

To provide

leadership to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of

research while enhancing care and support services for individuals and

their families.

From the Alzheimer's

Association literature/web site:

What are the

warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?

The Alzheimer's

Association has developed a list of warning signs that include common

symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (some also apply to other dementias).

Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician

for a complete examination.

1. Memory loss

that affects job skills. It's normal to occasionally forget an assignment,

deadline or colleague's name, but frequent forgetfulness or inexplicable

confusion at home or in the workplace may signal that something's wrong.

2. Difficulty

performing familiar tasks. Busy people get distracted from time to time.

For example, you might leave something on the stove too long or not remember

to serve part of a meal. People with Alzheimer's might prepare a meal

and not only forget to serve it, but also forget they made it.

3. Problems

with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes,

but a person with Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute

inappropriate words, making his or her sentences difficult to understand.

4. Disorientation

to time and place. It's normal to momentarily forget the day of the week

or what you need from the store. But people with Alzheimer's disease can

become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are, how they

got there or how to get back home.

5. Poor or

decreased judgment. Choosing not to bring a sweater or coat along on a

chilly night is a common mistake. A person with Alzheimer's, however,

may dress inappropriately in more noticeable ways, wearing a bathrobe

to the store or several blouses on a hot day.

6. Problems

with abstract thinking. Balancing a checkbook can be challenging for many

people, but for someone with Alzheimer's, recognizing numbers or performing

basic calculations may be impossible.

7. Misplacing

things. Everyone temporarily misplaces a wallet or keys from time to time.

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put these and other items in inappropriate

places - such as an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl

- then not recall how they got there.

8. Changes

in mood or behavior. Everyone experiences a broad range of emotions -

it's part of being human. People with Alzheimer's tend to exhibit more

rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.

9. Changes

in personality. People's personalities may change somewhat as they age.

But a person with Alzheimer's can change dramatically, either suddenly

or over a period of time. Someone who is generally easygoing may become

angry, suspicious or fearful.

10. Loss of

initiative. It's normal to tire of housework, business activities or social

obligations, but most people retain or eventually regain their interest.

A person with Alzheimer's disease may remain uninterested and uninvolved

in many or all of his usual pursuits.

Back

to Prime Timers Home Page |