Professional senior caregivers know that many times senior’s with memory loss often have few if any other health concerns. They are physically active and fit. As memory loss progresses, especially Alzheimer’s Disease, additional physical problems will develop as the body “forgets” to do the things it should to maintain health.
At the same time, a senior with memory loss, even if they are healthy physically, will require care services, many times for years before they pass away. Former President Ronald Reagan is an excellent example of how caregiving can take a toll on a spouse and require around-the-clock care services as the disease progresses.
Last week, the U.S. Congress voted unanimously to create a national plan to combat Alzheimer’s Disease with the same intensity as the attacks on AIDS and cancer. The bill will create the National Alzheimer’s Project within the Department of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the country’s approach to research, treatment and caregiving.
The legislation moves to accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer’s and improve the early diagnosis of the disease along with coordination of care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The costs of long-term nursing care are significant and this is a move in the right direction with the addition of the early diagnosis research.
