With so many individuals living long, active lives, the senior citizens in our communities show us that taking care of your health never goes out of style. Senior Citizens Day is a chance to understand the contributions and dedication of seniors. It’s an annual celebration on August 21st to honor the seniors in our families and communities and bring awareness to the issues they commonly face.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s 

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are two conditions prevalent in people over the age of 60. Below is a summary of each and frequency they affect senior populations.

• Summary:
  • Alzheimer’s– Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out daily activities.
  • Parkinson’s– Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It causes the brain cells that produce dopamine (coordinates movement) to stop working or die. This leads to difficulties with movement and other non-motor symptoms.
• Prevalence:
  • Alzheimer’s– an estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2021. 72% are age 75 or older.
  • Parkinson’s– It is estimated that PD affects 1 percent of the population over 60. Overall, as many as 1 million Americans are living with PD, and approximately 60,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of PD each year.

National Senior Citizens Day

Although some people think being a senior means retirement, the truth is that many adults remain active well into their advanced years. This holiday is the perfect time for people to let the senior citizens in their families and communities show their appreciation. Write a letter, send a card or volunteer at a retirement home. Spread awareness via social media using the hashtag #NationalSeniorCitizensDay.

Both PD and Alzheimer’s are progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Over time, they can rob seniors of their independence and quality of life. In turn, our lives are deprived of their well-earned wisdom and advice, and their support and guidance we navigate the many different aspects of life. Clinical research has led to many important discoveries that help improve how we detect, manage, and eventually cure these conditions.

Potential new options are currently being evaluated in research studies for PD and Alzheimer’s. Research studies partner with volunteers to make sure these new options are safe and effective. Becoming a research volunteer is a great way for seniors to give back to advancing medicine and future generations of seniors. ActivMed Practices & Research has several opportunities for seniors. We are currently seeking individuals to join enrolling PD and Alzheimer’s studies and for other future opportunities for other indications like shingles.

We also offer FREE memory screenings for adults at risk of Alzheimer’s or who are experiencing memory issues. Call us at (978) 992-4239 to schedule your memory screen and learn more about our enrolling Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s studies at our Lawrence, MA location. Or, feel free to visit our website.

Sources:

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/magazine-world-senior-citizen-day-history-significance-and-how-to-celebrate-with-grandparents/

https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-101