The holidays are often filled with sharing, laughter and the enjoyment of each other’s company. But they can also be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the challenges he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of maintaining traditions while caring for a friend or family member.

The holidays can be less stressful for everyone when activities are planned ahead of time. The Alzheimer’s Association^® offers resources like the Holidays information sheet as well as the Holidays and Alzheimer’s Families page on alz.org/care to help caregivers approach the season and make celebrations more enjoyable for all.

During this season of togetherness, people visit with friends and family they rarely see face-to-face, providing an opportunity to notice the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. If you observe any of these signs in a friend or family member, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Early detection allows people to plan for the future and live well for as long as possible.

As a champion member organization of the Alzheimer’s Early Detection Alliance, or AEDA, we set out to educate our employees and the the public about the importance of the 10 warning signs and early detection of Alzheimer’s.  We also agree to take an additional step and educate our family members, customers and the public, for example, by providing information on our web site and sharing resources in communities and at conferences we host.

With that in mind, we wanted to share a recent article that was shared with us by the Alzheimer’s Association about a new feature on their website.  In September, the Alzheimer’s Association® launched “I Have Alzheimer’s Disease,” a 23-page section of alz.org offering information and tools to help those living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s or other dementia live their best life for as long as possible.

In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 68 seconds. At the same time, methods of diagnosis are quickly improving; leaving more people and their families to face a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in the early stage of the disease.

“I Have Alzheimer’s” was created with input from people living with the disease and provides valuable resources to serve a growing group of individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. In addition to supporting those with the disease through education, the Web section strives to create a sense of normalcy and validation for its users. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can feel isolating, but “I Have Alzheimer’s” helps individuals move past that feeling and on to planning, preparing and receiving support.

The site is also a valuable resource for caregivers, family members, or friends of someone with Alzheimer’s. Whether they seek the information for themselves or are looking to empower the person with dementia, “I Have Alzheimer’s” provides a better understanding of the experience of living with the disease and what others are doing to live their best life after diagnosis. Visit “I Have Alzheimer’s” at alz.org/IHaveAlz to learn more.

On March 19, the Alzheimer’s Association^® 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures was released. This annual report reveals the burden Alzheimer’s and dementia places on individuals, caregivers, government and our nation’s health care system, and includes data on the impact of the disease in every state across the nation.

According to the report, the rate at which Americans acquire Alzheimer’s has increased. Every 67 seconds, someone develops this deadly and costly disease, which has devastating effects for the person living with the disease, their family and friends. The publication also highlights the impact the disease has on caregivers in the workplace. In 2013, 75 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers reported being employed full or part time at any time since assuming caregiving responsibilities. Many of these individuals had to make major changes to their work schedules to accommodate these duties. Fifty-four percent said they had to go in late, leave early or take time off, and 15 percent had to take a leave of absence.

Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures also includes a special report, Women & Alzheimer’s, which offers new data on how Alzheimer’s disease impacts women proportionally to men. The report reveals that 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women, and demonstrates how this role affects their time in the workplace. Twenty percent of women as compared to 3 percent of men went from working full time to part time while serving as a caregiver, and 11 percent of women versus 5 percent of men gave up work entirely.

Other data show the growing financial burden Alzheimer’s is placing on our nation. According to Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures, the total national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will reach $214 billion in 2014, not including unpaid caregiving provided by family and friends valued at more than $220 billion. Visit alz.org/facts to read the full report and watch a video highlighting the key findings.