Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month
Nearly 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
Despite common misconception, Alzheimer’s is not a natural part of aging. It is a progressive, fatal brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death in California and the number has increased by 169% since 2000. It is also the only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death with no known prevention, treatment, or cure.
Alzheimer’s affects the whole family, not only the individual with the diagnosis. Watching a loved one decline can cause emotional stress and providing the daily caregiving required can cause physical stress as well. Challenging behaviors, difficulty communicating, and keeping the person with Alzheimer’s safe can all have an impact on a caregiver’s mental and physical health.
A startling fact is that two-thirds of those affected by Alzheimer’s are women. That’s 3.8 million women, including over 113,000 who live in LA County. A woman in her 60s is twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than breast cancer. And women overwhelmingly provide the caregiving to their family members. Whether their loved one is a man or a woman, more than one-third of family caregivers are sisters, daughters, and even granddaughters. The numbers are clear, Alzheimer’s is a women’s issue!
We can help
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles has been a constant presence in the LA community for nearly 40 years, supporting families as they face the challenges of dealing with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. We’ll be your partner for as long as you’re on this journey, which we know can be a bumpy road. Every day, family caregivers for loved ones with dementia face seemingly unsurmountable challenges. There are many struggles to overcome when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia.
Alzheimer’s LA delivers comprehensive programs, education, and advocacy designed to reduce the immense burden related with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. We help you navigate the challenge of caring for a loved one through our care counseling, support groups, and caregiver education programs, empowering families to manage the complexity of daily life with Alzheimer’s.
The dedicated professionals of Alzheimer’s LA work tirelessly every single day to ensure that people know they’re not alone. We’re here for you when you need us most. We never turn anyone away and we never charge a family for services. People come to Alzheimer’s LA afraid, confused, and overwhelmed by what their family is facing. They leave with a sense of hope.
Until there’s a cure, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles will provide the care.
But we can’t do it without your help…
If you or someone you know has dementia, or you would like to support others in need, please contact us.
Learn more about Women’s History Month: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/