LORA D KING 

Stolen

ISBN-9781625099334

 

The rude awakening and impact of Alzheimer’s on our father was one of my primary inspirations for writing Stolen. The preparation and research to write it revealed that unsuspecting victims- similar to my brother and me-were probably unaware of the complexity of this disease which is increasing in families and communities like a tidal wave. Further, there is no prevention, cure, or treatment; and what causes this invasive disease to damage and kill brain cells remains relatively unknown. Another inspiration for Stolen was to increase the awareness-not alarm you- because of our initial experiences in trying to provide what we thought was quality care for our dad. Another ancillary inspiration was my desire that this chronicle of our experiences would make you ask yourself, “What would quality care look like for me if I were afflicted with this devastating disease?” Given the economic conditions in the United States, “How would I pay for the quality care that I desire?” A few other inspirations developed as I journeyed along the path to secure affordable, quality, in-home-care for our dad-all of which are shared in Stolen.

 

Age is the greatest risk for getting Alzheimer’s (also known as AD). For every five years a person lives after the age of 60, the risk for getting Alzheimer’s doubles. The first Baby Boomer turned 65 in 2011 and more than 10 million are expected to get AD. It is estimated that by 2050, the total number of people w/AD will reach 12-16 million in this country. AD is an equal opportunity oppressor and thief: all classes and education levels of people, cultures, ethnicities, are impacted. It has been reported that growing numbers of people are becoming fearful of AD-even more so than other incapacitating diseases. In addition, it has been determined that many of the common risk factors are diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, which are prevalent in many families and communities. The number of fatalities caused by AD from 2000-2008 has increased by 66% while other serious illnesses such as breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS fatalities decreased during this same period. The associated healthcare cost of AD in the U.S. was more than $180 billion in 2010. Once the Baby Boomers, who are vulnerable, have all reached the ages at risk for AD, this could skyrocket to $1 trillion. AD, by itself, could bankrupt the U.S. healthcare system.

 

In 2012, the Obama Administration released the National Alzheimer’s Plan which budgeted $80 million for research and $20 million for caregiver support and education. This is a start, but it is not enough. I am an advocate for increased funding for research; increased AD care programs; private and government support in the form of services and financial assistance. I am particularly passionate in advocating for AD-specific or specialized training programs for primary caregivers and in-home-caregivers. With information and knowledge to manage this disease and affordable in-home-care; more AD patients will be able to remain in their homes for longer periods-if not until the end. Without this training, many unsuspecting families and paid caregivers will become a burden due to this devastating disease which is physically, emotionally, and financially a drain because they lack the skills and knowledge to manage it. Ultimately, AD patients will be placed in convalescent homes prematurely, elder abuse allegations will increase; and retirements, inheritances, and healthcare programs will be decimated.