Lilly Promotes Alzheimer’s Awareness

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In recognition of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly is highlighting the importance of early detection for Alzheimer’s disease.

“Every day millions of Americans live with devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Lilly said. “During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, it is critical that families know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and how these signs differ from the typical aging process.”

Lilly is urging families to become familiar with the signs of Alzheimer’s and the differences between typical age-related changes and the specific warnings of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Signs of Alzheimer’s according to the Alzheimer’s Association include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems and difficulty completing familiar tasks. These differ from typical age-related changes such as momentarily forgetting something such as which word to use or which day of the week it is and then quickly remembering. For more information on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, Lilly is encouraging visits to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, alz.org.

As part of her efforts to promote Alzheimer’s awareness, Lilly is promoting the benefits of early detection, which include access to treatment options that help lessen symptoms as well as more time to plan for a patient’s future. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and up to $8 trillion dollars in long-term care costs could be saved by early detection.

“Early detection for Alzheimer’s Disease isn’t about saving money, it’s about saving quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and their families,” Lilly said. “I strongly urge everyone who may be experiencing unusual signs of aging to visit their doctor and get screened for Alzheimer’s.”