November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain. When it begins to strike, the symptoms can often be confused with "senior moments." Losing and misplacing items, forgetting names, and having trouble placing words can be a common occurrence for some. Many of us have been there. The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's however, unlike the occasional senior moment, progress and worsen over time.

While there is not currently a cure for Alzheimer's disease research is underway locally at Coastal Connecticut Research (CCRstudies) in New London and throughout the world to develop better treatments. As part of Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a no cost memory screening will take place on November 12th at Masonicare in Mystic. The Mobile Memory Clinic is a service to the community in raising awareness regarding the importance of early detection of memory loss.

When memory loss strikes, this individual living with the cognitive decline may recognize that something is wrong, but it is often the people around the person living with memory loss, their spouse, adult children, friends and colleagues, who notice something is not right. As Alzheimer's progresses the loved ones of the person with the disease often become caregivers and care partners, seeking resources, setting up appointments, balancing finances, insurance payments, and everyday tasks. The caregivers often find there are not a lot of resources available for the individual living with Alzheimer's disease.

Local research often involves not only the individual living with memory loss, but his or her care partner. By these people stepping forward, we can better understand Alzheimer's disease and work to improve the way we diagnose and treat those living with Alzheimer's.

If you have questions regarding memory loss, Alzheimer's disease or research in general, please call to speak to a member of the CCRstudies team at (860)443-4567, visit www.CCRstudies.com or email marylou@ccrstudies.com.