Monday, October 12, 2009

KnowItAlz is an Alzheimer's resource focused on the caregiver

Company Info - KnowItAlz.com Blog
KnowItAlz is an Alzheimer's resource focused on the caregiver. We give caregivers the opportunity to get current information, participate in a community and gain additional insights about caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's.

More than 26 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease, and a recent forecast says the number will quadruple by 2050. At that rate, one in 85 people will have the brain-destroying disease in 40 years.

Alzheimer's disease not only affects the person who has been diagnosed, but almost always also impacts the family members and friends who become caregivers. Caring for an Alzheimer's patient can be emotionally, psychologically and financially draining, and a support system often difficult to find. As the disease progresses, caregivers often find themselves cut off from friends, other family members and regular social activities.

In addition, most caregivers have the additional responsibilities of full time jobs and caring for a family of their own, as well as the responsibility of caring for a parent, spouse or other loved one. As a loved one begins to experience the many often difficult behavioral changes, even the most dedicated caregivers will struggle with guilt, resentment or frustration, at some point in their role as caregiver. Finding a balance is critical.

KnowItAlz.com provides, information and useful Alzheimer’s related resources, but more importantly a community of caregivers to providing the necessary support as you take on this difficult, yet often rewarding journey.

Our content is a combination of information from experts in both the Alzheimer’s and geriatric fields, as well as “real life” experts like you who have first-hand experience as a caregiver. Our goal is to build a community that connects caregivers to the information that can help them at every stage, as well as the opportunity to see the lighter side of caregiving—and yes, there is one!

The KnowItAlz Group was founded in 2007 by Kathy Hatfield and Nancy Hatfield.