WASHINGTON and RED BANK, N.J., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease -- and the recent high-profile death of former President Ronald Reagan from complications associated with it -- Americans know little about Alzheimer's disease and the progress being made in preventing, diagnosing and treating it. The most recent issue of the National Women's Health Report addresses this lack of awareness.
"Women bear a special burden with Alzheimer's disease," according to Amy Niles, president and CEO of the National Women's Health Resource Center which publishes the bimonthly National Women's Health Report. "Because the disease is strongly associated with aging and women live longer than men, more women than men can expect to develop it. And as in President Reagan's family, the burden of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease usually falls on a woman."
The Health Report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and its critical role in managing the symptoms of the disease and helping the patient and her family plan for the future. The cover article examines some of the key epidemiological, clinical, and research areas around Alzheimer's disease and women. It explores the new diagnostic technology and treatments that slow the disease's progress.
Women & Alzheimer's Disease offers coping tips for caregivers to help preserve their health and Alzheimer's-specific resources for additional support.
In her Lifestyle column, Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, the NWHRC medical director, explores the possible link between heart disease and Alzheimer's disease risk factors. She walks the reader through tips that may reduce their risk for both diseases, as well as presenting tips for keeping the brain in tip-top shape.
The National Women's Health Resource Center, the publisher of Women & Alzheimer's Disease, is the nation's leading independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues.
A free copy of Women & Alzheimer's Disease is available by calling 1-877-986-9472 or visiting the NWHRC's website, http://www.healthywomen.org/.
CONTACT: Beverly A. Dame of the National Women's Health Resource Center, +1-888-406-9472.
National Women's Health Resource CenterCONTACT: Beverly A. Dame of the National Women's Health Resource Center,+1-888-406-9472
Web site: http://www.healthywomen.org/
