Digging into Alzheimer’s Disease and the resources available to families
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Ahead of the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, ABC 17 News is digging into Alzheimer's Disease and the resources available to families.
The Alzheimer's Association defines Alzheimer's Disease as a brain disease which causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Some early signs of the disease include memory loss that disrupts everyday life, problems with speaking or writing, confusion with time or a place and misplacing things.
Professor Ai-Ling Lin of the University of Missouri School of Medicine conducts Alzheimer's research at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building. She outlined who's most at risk for the disease.
"There's several major risk factors, definitely age is a No. 1," Lin said. "The second risk factor we know of is genetics. So this is run down in the family and the highest risk factor is called APOE4 ... that's the highest genetic risk factor now for Alzheimer's disease."
APOE4 is a gene that increases the chances of a person developing Alzheimer's.
Lin added women also have a higher risk of Alzheimer's than men.
"There's definitely other lifestyle factors," Lin said. "We know diabetes, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and many other metabolic-related diseases will also increase the risk for Alzheimer's."
The Alzheimer's Association offers a free 24/7 helpline for confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers and families. That helpline number is 800-272-3900. People can access a list of resources by calling the helpline.
- Learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias
- Find out about local programs and services
- Information about legal, financial, care decisions and treatment options
Join ABC 17 News at the Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday at Faurot Field. Last year, the Columbia Walk raised $195,594. This year, the walk has a goal of $220,000.
Or join ABC 17 News at the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's on Oct. 15 at Memorial Park. Last year, the Jefferson City Walk broke its all-time record and raised nearly $134,000. This year, the walk has a goal of raising $140,000.
