Let Me Count the Days and the Ways I Can Combat This Disease!



I am still struggling to accept my official diagnosis of 'Alzheimer's' from a top notch Neurologist from a well known U.S. Hospital. Why me? I worry at night, but keep busy during the day. I am afraid of my future and the consequences to my family and daily life. I am taking daily medication to help my memory and sure hope it works. I have a poor short term memory that makes me forget recent events and repeat myself. My dear husband has a hand signal to remind me when I repeat myself. He simply scratches his eyebrow as my signal to change topics. He is also a good listener and doesn't ask me to stop talking. Some people think I'm quiet, but I really have many comments to make on the world around me. Just ask him! 😁

Do you realize that 6.7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's? Florida has the highest state Senior Alzheimer population at12%. It's likely a lot higher because many Seniors have not officially been diagnosed. Yesterday, I watched the recent coverage of the "The Hill: U.S. Congressional Panel for Alzheimer's." It was three hours of discussions with national research committees and organizations that provide services for patients and their families. There were professional and personal stories shared outlining progress being made in this field. The panel's message was that, 'We need to do the right thing for these patients.' Also, the Federal 'Merit Act' needs to be approved for 'stand-alone' drugs. 👍

💥Here are some of the highlights of the recent Congressional Panel:

1. We need further Alzheimer drug research into less costly products. Eli Lilly is coming out with a new drug that is 60% effective.
2. We need more health coverage for patients with Alzheimer's. Medicare needs to improve benefits for this disease. Lowering the interest rates would help. More adults are getting diagnosed with Alzheimer's now. 
3. We need affordable Caregivers and provide better insurance to cover them.
4. 'Early Onset Alzheimer's' is being diagnosed more often now.
5. We need support of tiny homes with porches located behind Alzheimer Care Facilities to give patients independence. 
6. Unfortunately, the fact is that most Alzheimer patients eventually forget who their family is and where they live.
7. Congress needs a larger budget for a Senior Committee solely focused on Alzheimer's. 

😟The three hour Alzheimer Congressional Hearing ended with the recommendation that the U.S. needs more resources to support patients, families, care groups and communities. Alzheimer's is a stigma and a financial burden. Many patients have led a healthy life and never been hospitalized. Now they will likely need 24 hour care. Some families are in denial and have even tied their relatives to clotheslines in the backyard so they don't wander. away. Don't do that to me! 😞

💗It is scary and sad to think that I may forget my family and home. They are the most important to me in my life. I don't want to hurt my family's feelings and our memories together with this diagnosis. I hope they understand that it is a symptom of this horrible disease and not a reflection of my true feelings. I will love my family forever beyond this universe! 💕
                                                                                                        
CALlFORNIA HALLOWEEN WITH EMMA, RJ AND ZOE
FIRST CHRISTMAS WITH BABY JIMMY & GRANDPA CHUCK
 

COUSIN FUN IN GERMANY WITH JIMMY ! 2023 💕😎👍




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