Alzheimer’s Awareness
February 18, 2007 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Over the years, awareness about Alzheimer’s disease has increased, and this affliction has been gaining more attention, with researchers looking into causes and effects and possible cures. The toll on the family, both the afflicted and the caregivers, has become recognized.
When my aunt and mom developed Alzheimer’s, in the 1980s, the disease was hardly spoken about. Unless you were actually involved in it with a family member or as a nursing caregiver, you might have been only vaguely aware how it can affect individuals and their families.
Knowing the need for families to find understanding and solace and realize others have been through this situation and survived, keeps me writing and speaking about this disease. Alzheimer’s awareness doesn’t necessarily mean sadness. 
You also can realize the joy you’ve brought that person as you’ve cared for them.
As you go about your daily tasks, you may come across caregivers/family members utilizing symbols of Alzheimer’s awareness. You may want to learn more about the disease, too, as it affects families and society.
Alzheimer’s awareness is so important to those of us who’s lives have been touched by this devasting disease. We need to educate those that are unaware of the nature of the disease. Make people more accepting of those with Alzheimer’s. The disease touches more lives all the time. Having an Alzheimer’s awareness item on your desk or your wrist or your car with prompt people to think about the disease. It may even get people talking about Alzheimer’s.
Our family has had six loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Five have early onset Alzheimer’s. My sisters and I started a company to help raise Alzheimer’s awareness. We make and sell awareness items and gifts. 100% of our website profits are give to Alzheimer’s research. We also sell our products at Memory Walks and donate that profit to the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. To see our products go to http://www.alzawareness.com.
Thank you, Mary, for letting us know about what you and your family are doing to promote Alzheimer’s awareness and to raise funds for research. My desire to encourage others affected by this disease grew out of caring for my mom and aunt throughout their Alzheimer’s journey.