PROVIDENCE – Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 23,000 people and 53,000 caregivers in Rhode Island, and it is the fifth-leading cause of death in the Ocean State, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island chapter.
The group is hosting a number of events in June, in honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung will participate in a program June 13 at the Cranston Senior Services Center, and on June 19, Central Falls city leaders and members of Progreso Latino plan to meet in the Central Falls council chambers for an awareness event for the Spanish-speaking community.
On June 20, the Pawtucket Red Sox will host Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee and the Alzheimer’s Association as part of events celebrating the summer solstice.
“We are asking everyone to support Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month by wearing purple, the Alzheimer’s Association color, and to talk about warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Donna M. McGowan, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island chapter. “Having a conversation is vital because an early diagnosis can help everyone prepare long-term and obtain the resources they need.”
Warning signs of Alzheimer’s include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
- Challenges in planning or solving problems.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
- Confusion with time or place.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
- New problems with words or speaking or writing.
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps.
- Decreased or poor judgement.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities.
- Changes in mood.
