Your Local Alzheimer’s Association Now Serving You

It can be scary to watch something happen to a loved one and feel like you have no way to confirm or resolve the issue. That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association has put together valuable resources to help families impacted by dementia, like these tips to help you identify the warning signs.

Did you know that a person can live with the disease for as much as 20 years before the symptoms appear? It’s true. The progression is slow at onset, so most people don’t notice the changes right away.

Here are other surprising statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association:

• 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s is the 6^th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• 8 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s.
• 2 out of 3 Alzheimer’s patients are women.

Don’t let age fool you.

This disease doesn’t only impact those over the age of 65+. Younger-onset impacts people as young as 40. “This is particularly troubling because those in this group are not old enough to draw Medicare benefits, but they may not be able to work,” says Tina Thomas, Director of Programs and Services for the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck chapter. “Their life is completely interrupted. And with young-onset, it’s more aggressive and progresses faster.”

What are the warning signs?

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks 
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

There are things you can do.

The first thought is always to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, but that’s not always as easily done as it is said. -Especially when it comes to others. Thankfully, the Alzheimer’s Association also has a helpline 800-272-3900 that’s available 24/7 to anyone, even if they are not the person in question.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a tremendous amount of resources for the next steps, treatment, financial planning after diagnosis, and information for caregivers.

Our local team also provides training for community educators and has community forums to learn how this disease is impacting our communities, in addition to events for fundraising and awareness.

Will you join us at our next event?

The 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is taking place in Gloucester on 10/1. We invite you to join us, and we’ll meet at Botetourt Elementary at 6361 Main Street on the morning of the walk. Other fun activities are scheduled throughout town during the week leading up to the event. Visit our team page to join our team or to support us with your donation. 

Chesapeake Bank cares about what matters to you.

Financial matters and health are always a concern for us, as it is you. Regarding the elderly, Alzheimer’s is additionally alarming because our seniors are already the target of scams and financial abuse. Adding the complications of dementia puts those we love at an even greater risk. Please know the signs and what to look for in all of these scenarios. If something seems off, whether with a person’s behavior, account activity, or daily routines, don’t hesitate to call your branch and ask questions. Your hunch may be right. We want to help.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association or the Walk, please contact Madison Wilkins at mwilkins@alz.org