Opinion
Letters to the editor, Nov. 3
TBO.com
Published: November 3, 2012
Consider Alzheimer'sPublished: November 3, 2012
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month. On Nov. 11 we will participate in National Candle Lighting Day. It is a good time for us to stop for a minute and consider the impact of the disease on patients now suffering from Alzheimer's and the implications for the future.
This terrible disease is affecting more than 5,000,000 people in the United States. It affects 1 in 10 at 65 years of age and 1 in 2 at 85. With the advancing baby boomers, experts predict that 14 million to 16 million people will be affected by the year 2030. Those who are or have been caregivers of an Alzheimer's disease patient know the tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain that is involved.
The Alzheimer's Family Organization is a local nonprofit, tax-exempt group that offers a number of services and programs to help families dealing with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Memory loss is the first indicator that a person may have a problem, possibly the early stage of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. It is important to get a diagnosis early in the disease process. This allows valuable time for the patient and family to make unhurried decisions on medical treatment and address important financial concerns.
On Nov. 13, we will offer free memory screenings to anyone who may be experiencing memory loss. For further information about either of these events, please contact our main office at (727) 848-8888 or toll free at (888) 496-8004.
Dominick De Petrillo
New Port Richey
The writer is executive director of the Alzheimer's Family Organization.
Wake up
I would like to remind everyone that Florida has been controlled for more than 10 years by one party; the so-called "no tax" party. They have, however, no problem doubling every "fee" we have.
But who is to blame? We, the people, because at every election we put the same politicians back in office. Our state is now just like communist China. One party controls everything and has no fear because they know people will continue to put them back in office, no matter how many times they screw people because of a certain letter after their names.
Look around: We're paying for a nuclear power plant that will never be built; we have a Public Service Commission that is a joke as far as protecting the public is concerned. And on and on it goes.
Perhaps someday people will wake up and investigate candidates before voting for them.
Ernie Stetz
Port Richey