When I read the recent news that the U.S government announced immediate plans to fund $50 million for Alzheimer’s research and provide another $130 million to include caregiver support and education over the next two years, I thought it was a great first step in a movement that needs to keep moving.

I am encouraged that our highest public officials have officially acknowledged the family caregivers – those first responders in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease who provide 80 percent of the long-term care in this country.  Without the caregivers, the whole health care system collapses.  Caregivers are the overlooked, undervalued, unsung heroes of our society – it is critical to raise our voices on their behalf so that our representatives continue to pay attention.

When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s – the impact is like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.   The ripple effect is that Alzheimer’s is a family diagnosis – one person has the disease but many are affected.  If we can help family caregivers cope with the Alzheimer’s of their loved one, and help all families prepare for a disease that will impact one out of every two 85-year-olds in this country, then we will be well on our way to saying “so long” to a disease known as the “long good-bye.”

What we can all do today:

1. Know the 10 early warning signs of the disease – 50 percent of those who develop Alzheimer’s are undiagnosed today.  With a proper diagnosis, families can better prepare.  And, while Alzheimer’s has been known as a disease for “old people” – some are diagnosed in their 40s and 50s.
2. Learn what to expect and what resources are available to help you as a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s.
3. Understand what you can do to keep your brain and body as healthy as possible.  High cholesterol, high body mass index (BMI) and obesity can be tied to developing Alzheimer’s.
4. If you are a caregiver, stress is your Number One enemy.  Developing techniques to deal with stress are essential – a study showed that caregivers are twice as likely as the general population to develop multiple chronic illnesses earlier in life – due to the prolonged stress of being a caregiver. Take the Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Stress Test – see how you do.  If you score off the charts, talk to your doctor about how to better manage your stress and find great online tips that can help such as creating an online support community through Lotsa Helping Hands.