The Disease That Affects More Women Than Breast Cancer

As October rapidly approaches, more companies and public figures are stepping out in support for breast cancer research. As breast cancer is one of the leading causes of female death is the US, it’s really no wonder that so many people dedicate so much time and energy into finding a cure. However, it seems that too much time is focused on this one disease. Many other severe illnesses are getting overlooked, even those that are more fatal than breast cancer.Let’s take a look at statistics. According to breastcancer.org, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. However, one in six women will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Even though this disease is more common, we don’t see a lot of fundraiser or research about it.Nearly everyone public figure and major company that supports illnesses focus solely on breast cancer. Of course, there is a few exceptions. Seth Rogen and TJX actually take a stand in the fight against Alzheimer’s.What about the average US citizen? Well, we see pink ribbons everywhere. On cars and pinned on shirts, many Americans wear the pink ribbon to show their support for breast cancer. But what about the purple ribbon? Honestly, we bet many of you out there didn’t even know until now that the purple ribbon represented Alzheimer’s.In light of that, the Las Vegas radiology experts are going to teach you a thing or two about this terrible disease, so that more attention can be brought to it.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Both women and men are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s or early onset Alzheimer’s, which can develop as young as 40. This disease affects the brain, causing the person to lose their memories and affect their intellectual abilities. As the patient gets older, the disease will only worsen. Typically, patients live about 8 years once the symptoms became noticeable.Here are some warning signs that a person may be developing this fatal disease:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in solving problems
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Confusion with place and time
• Trouble understanding visual images
• Problems with speaking or writing
• Misplacing things
• Poor judgment
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Changes in mood

How is Alzheimer’s treated?

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are a few drug options to help with cognitive symptoms. The diseases causes brain cells to die, and with that connections are lost. There are a few medications on the market that can slow down the damage, but it cannot prevent it.Researchers have developed some clinical trials in an attempt to find a cure. There are about 500 being conducted throughout the US. So far, no trial has found any conclusive results.The tragic thing about Alzheimer’s is that patients will inevitably die from it. Sure, medications can slow it down, but it will cause the patient to lose their entire memory and eventually die. It can be more tragic for the family because the patient will not recognize them in their final moments. Though breast cancer does not have a cure either, it can be managed. Some breast cancer patients can go into remission and live a full life. Alzheimer’s patients cannot get better.Learn how you can start supporting research of this disease by contacting your Las Vegas radiology experts. They can direct you to quality fundraisers to further awareness. For more information about the radiologists Las Vegas trusts most, contact 702.732.6000.