Caring Beyond Profit

The Alzheimer’s Association is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Through global research, early detection, and quality care and support, they’re working towards a world without dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia, a term describing a group of symptoms that can impact memory, thinking, and behavior. The Washington State Chapter provides vital support services, care options, and education for families and caregivers, serving over 126,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s and 247,000 caregivers who dedicate over 376 million hours of unpaid care annually.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers numerous resources, including education, information, and support, on their website. These resources provide valuable information on the latest research, treatment options, and caregiving strategies. They also host annual walks, the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease, which rely on volunteers to make a successful event. From registration to support, volunteers play a crucial role in making a difference. While there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments can slow disease progression, and drug and non-drug options may help manage symptoms.

The Alzheimer’s Association and ripple power the Dementia Care Navigation Service through Medicare, providing personalized support, care planning, and resources. This service is designed to help individuals with dementia and their caregivers navigate the complex healthcare system, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Dementia care is a team effort, and services can include care planning and assessments, ongoing assistance with caregiver resources, and a 24/7 support line. Referrals for services and support, as well as respite care services, are also available.

Another non-profit making a difference in long-term care is the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. They aim to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients and their families through education, support, and research. With an estimated 1 million people in the US living with Parkinson’s, this organization is crucial. Parkinson’s disease is a neurologic movement disorder that affects the brain, causing motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness, as well as non-motor symptoms like sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association provides valuable resources for those newly diagnosed and their families, including information on treatment options, caregiving strategies, and support groups. They have invested over $65 million in research since 1961, focusing on the discovery of causes and finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Current research suggests that a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, like pesticides and solvents, contribute to the disease’s onset. Ongoing research studies aim to discover more specific genetic markers and environmental risks with the hopes of developing targeted treatments and preventions.

While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, there are many ways the disease can be treated to make symptoms more manageable and improve quality of life. Medications, surgery, and lifestyle modifications can all play a role in managing the disease. Getting support, maintaining an active and positive lifestyle, involving regular exercise, healthy diet, and social activities, is essential to helping manage dementia and Parkinson’s. By working together, we can improve the lives of those affected by these diseases.

In addition to these non-profits, there are many other organizations and resources available to support individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s. By providing education, support, and resources, we can help individuals and families affected by these diseases live their best lives. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

Ultimately, the work of non-profits like the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Parkinson’s Disease Association is crucial in the fight against these diseases. By supporting research, providing education and resources, and advocating for those affected, these organizations are making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families. As research continues to advance and our understanding of these diseases grows, we remain hopeful that one day we will find a cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other dementias.