Since 2012, September has been World Alzheimer’s Month. This year, September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day. The Elders and staff of SunPorch showed their support and raised awareness by releasing purple balloons after a reading of a poem by Julie Troy.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of Dementia. Many people still consider this disease a normal part of aging, which is not true. It is important to raise awareness of this condition and challenge the stigma that surrounds this disease.
This year’s theme “Let’s talk about dementia” is important. According to the World Health Organization 50 million people around the world suffer from dementia. This number expected to triple by 2050. This is not just an elderly disease. There are forms of early on-set Alzheimer’s; though not as common. The impact felt with all forms of Alzheimer’s is just not on the patient but also on the family, friends and care givers. Find your closest Alzheimer Association, volunteer, get educated or join a Longest Day Walk! (Smith Center’s to be rescheduled to the Spring, 2021)
“Don’t Ask Me To Remember”
Do not ask me to remember,
Do not try to make me
understand.
Let me rest and know
you’re with me.
Kiss my cheek and hold
my hand.
I’m confused beyond
your concept.
I am sad and sick and
lost. All I know is that I need
you to be with me at all
cost. Do not lose your
patience with me.
Do not scold or cuse my
cry.
I can’t help the way I’m
acting,
Can’t be different
though I try.
Just remember that I
need you,
That the best of me is
gone.
Please don’t fail to stand
beside me,
Love me til my life is
done.
~Author Unknown
