We have duty to fight Alzheimer's

A thief lurks in the shadows waiting to rob you and your loved ones of the most precious thing, not any sort of a possession or object, but rather memories. Within the confines of the human mind exists the possibility of betrayal in the most devastating way, losing yourself.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, impacting 5.3 million Americans. Yet, there is no way to even diagnose the disease, let alone slow its progression. Without ways to slow onset or progression, the number of affected individuals will double nearly every 20 years.

Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on a person with Alzheimer's. It is the most expensive disease in the United States costing $236 billion annually. Families and patients pay over $55,000 each year to receive care. Most people lack long-term care insurance. However by 2020, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will ease the costs families face when caring for a family member with AD by covering prescription costs Medicare doesn't compensate for.

One of the most promising studies of treatments worked around an "in-home" care system where doctors and nurses would come to the patient instead of moving the patient to a care facility.

This Thanksgiving weekend as we reflect on all that we are grateful for, it is important to remember those of our loved ones that can't remember for themselves. Imagine your parents living with AD, unable to afford proper care, scared and confused. We must express empathy because not too long down the road, we will be in their shoes, relying on the compassion of the next generation to care and remember for us. Keep this in mind as you gather around the table and give thanks to what you find most important.

Claire Erickson

Mundelein