November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. President Ronald Reagan designated it so in 1983 and we are honoring that at our Fred Astaire Dance Studio. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there were fewer than two million people with this insidious disease in 1983 – that figure in the U.S. now is 5.5 million, with 5.3 million being 65 years of age or older.
We’re hopeful that medications easing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be further developed to improve quality of life for those who suffer from the disease, and also for their families and caretakers.
Ballroom dance can be an effective (& fun!) therapy for those impacted by the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and it’s even more impactful when enjoyed with a loved one.
Alzheimer’s will not go away by itself. The numbers, in fact, say it will get worse as our population ages. The National Institute on Aging says the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years past the age of 65. Someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease every 66 seconds. Nearly 2/3 of those with Alzheimer’s are women over 65.
Help us step up in this battle. Help us as we generate as we continually raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and the impact of dementia.
Thank you in advance. See you at the studio.