The Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina
Ashton Baker, VP of Development and Communication with The Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina spoke to the Rotary Club on Wednesday, January 16. After showing a short film entitled Memories, demonstrating the devastating affect Alzheimer's can have on patients and their families, Ashton talked about why we should be involved in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Today, there are 6,000 patients in
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder that robs people of their memories and gradually destroys brain cells. The progress of the disease can often be a long journey lasting from 3 to 20 years, in which the patient forgets his/her family and functions.
There have been studies conducted that suggest keeping the brain active with puzzles, reading, etc, will help maintain the brain and lessen the chances of Alzheimer's. While there is no cure today, there is much research for a cure. The Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina is available with programs to help patients and families. Ashton believes there is "promising hope for the future" and is "hoping for a cure within 20 years".
More information can be found at http://www.alz.org/sc/