Alzheimer's support

There is hardly a family anywhere in America that has not experienced, in some way, the effect of Alzheimer's disease on a loved one. Thanks to an aging population made possible by life-prolonging advances in medical care, more and more Americans are being diagnosed with a disease that ultimately cuts off its sufferers from an awareness of the here and now.

The emotional effect is unbelievably cruel, particularly to spouses and other relatives who often are the primary caregivers for those who have Alzheimer's.

Because of the increasing awareness of Alzheimer's, many individuals are concerned about their own diagnosis as well as those of others who are close to them.

While research continues to seek answers to the unending questions about Alzheimer's, there are ways everyone can become better informed, which helps deal with the situation when the disease is diagnosed.

The Alzheimer's Association offers a wealth of information at its Web site (alz.org), including the 10 warning signs. The St. Louis chapter of the organization also has a Web site (alzstl.org) that provides more detailed information pertinent to activities and resources in this area. And the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis also has a helpful Web site (alzheimer.wustl.edu).

Many individuals, especially those of advanced years, show some of the warning signs of Alzheimer's, but having some of those symptoms does not always mean they are caused by Alzheimer's. Anyone with several of the warning signs should seek medical advice. While there is no way -- yet -- to stop the disease, there are ways to deal with some of the effects of Alzheimer's.

For those of us who know a family dealing with someone who has Alzheimer's, our role is to be supportive. The loneliness and despair of an Alzheimer's family can be eased by the caring of others.