Dr. Leen Kawas: An Alzheimer’s Association Certified Neuropsychologist
Dr. Leen Kawas Discusses Advancements in Alzheimers Treatment
Many people are living with Alzheimer’s, and as the prevalence of the Disease increases, so does the importance of finding a way to curable or otherwise completely prevent it. There is not yet an effective cure for Alzheimer’s, but according to Dr. Leen Kawas, progress is being made.
Dr. Leen Kawas, an Alzheimer’s Association Certified Neuropsychologist and Past President of the International Psychogeriatric Association, discusses the advancements made in treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the leading cause of dementia among older people in the United States and worldwide. The main cause is thought to be a loss of brain cells that makes up the memory system. There also seems to be a link between Alzheimer’s and depression.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a grassroots campaign called Talking Is Caring. This campaign encourages people to talk to their loved ones about the Disease.
Dr. Leen Kawas says, “When one person talks to another about Alzheimer’s, a casual conversation becomes an important turning point in the early diagnosis and care of the Disease. Talking Is Caring acknowledges Alzheimer’s as a social problem—a heightened awareness that can help bring people together in the fight against this devastating Disease. And so we ask you, is it too late? Talking Is Caring encourages everyone who knows someone with Alzheimer’s or could potentially develop this Disease to tell them about it—for others to be able to know.
The campaign seeks to have one million people have The Talk. Alzheimer’s and dementia are words that most people are afraid to discuss. However, bringing them up and getting them out into the open is important. These diseases send loved ones away from their families, homes, and friends; this should be discussed.
So before you go to bed tonight, sit down with your loved one and tell them about this Disease. The Talk can be a good first step in getting an early diagnosis for a disease currently without an effective cure; let’s stop Alzheimer’s from taking a family member or friend away from us.