November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Back in October, I had the pleasure of getting involved with the Alzheimer's Memory walk. I was able to add contributions to this important cause of finding a cure for this disease and help ensure that quality care be given to those affected by this disease.

November is time to bring more awareness of this disease and to urge people to get their memory screenings. This is an important factor in early detection and is the first step toward receiving the care you may need.

Ask you physician about having a memory screening or locate a screening location in your area for you or a loved one.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America website offers successful aging tips that you should read, learn and implement. Make sure you share these tips with your loved ones. It is never too soon to start preventive care.

Here are a few of these tips:

1) Participate in activities that stimulate your brain, such as reading, crossword puzzles, playing bridge, and other mental exercises.

2) Manage stress through techniques such as relaxation, meditation and yoga.

3) Control hypertension, diabetes and heart disease—risk factors for dementia—through physical exercise, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and avoiding obesity.

4) Follow a healthy diet and take vitamins, including vitamins C and E, and folic acid

You goal is having your brain cells function well by maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, think about giving a holiday gift of a memory screening to a parent, grandparents or other members of your family. It would truly be a gift of love.

Another idea would be in lieu of holiday cards, make a donation to The Alzheimer's Organization to do your part in helping to find a cure for this disease and also help to provide quality care for those who must suffer with Alzheimer's.

Remember Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual function, among people aged 65 and older.

Let's work together to help fight this disease and make sure that those afflicted receive quality care.