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Dubai | September 21, 2004
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Alzheimer's
Global Health Campaign Strives for Greater Awareness in the Middle
East
World Alzheimer's Day
September 21, 2004 |
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(ArabMedicare.com News) What is
Alzheimer's disease? World Alzheimer's Day is an annual health campaign
aimed at raising global awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It
is also a day in which Alzheimer associations around the world aim to
raise their own profile for strengthening the society's understanding
about the disease.
The day celebrated internationally on September 21, is an initiative of
the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), an umbrella group of 66
Alzheimer associations throughout the world.
What causes Alzheimer's disease? An estimated 1.5 million people in the
Arab World have Alzheimer's and an estimated 18 million people globally.
The exact causes of the disease are not yet known, but the biological
process has been identified. Alzheimer's destroys cells in the brain,
which in turn disrupts the transmitters that carry messages to the brain
(in particular those responsible for storing memories).
Scientists have also identified a number of risk factors. Age is one of
the most significant factors. The chances of being affected are fewer than
1 in 1,000 under the age of 65 years old, and 1 in 5 over the age of 80
years old. This clearly suggests that the risk increases with old age;
although the youngest person reported to have Alzheimer's is only 30 years
old. Other risk factors include injuries to the head (i.e. people who
sustain injuries to the head, and lose consciousness like boxers) and a
genetic connection - families who have a genetic history of dementia.
This year's theme 'No time to lose" aims to serve as a reminder that
we must take action now in order to unify the population and bring
dementia to the global attention of governments, medical professionals,
and people with dementia and their caregivers.
For example, in Lebanon, only 1000 out 30,000 cases are actively seeking
treatment. National associations, like the Alzheimer's Association
Lebanon, are organizing a series of educational activities and workshops
aimed at nursing homes and the public at large. The goal is to help
enhance the quality of Alzheimer's patients in existing homes, according
to Mrs. Diane Mansour, President of the Alzheimer's Association Lebanon, a
nonprofit organization established in January 2004.
"Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging; it is a
devastating disease that affects patients and their families in a very
painful manner. Families are in great need of support, empathy and
comprehension. Society is indebted to Alzheimer's patients to offer them a
good quality of life, dignity, and respect," said Mansour.
With people living longer in the Arab World, "the number of people
affected by Alzheimer's is now large enough to be given close
attention," she said.
Related Information: Alzheimer's
Association Lebanon
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