ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION News:ALBUQUERQUE ― Families facing Alzheimer’s disease will have access to a free educational program in Santa Fe, NM offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.
“Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers: Early Stage” will be presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter 1-2 p.m. Monday, July 17. It will be hosted by the Betty Ehart Senior Center on 1101 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
To register, or for more information, contact David Davis (505).473.1297 or at dldavis@alz.org. The class is free and open to all citizens of Los Alamos and surrounding communities.
The “Living with Alzheimer’s” presentations are designed primarily for non-professional or family caregivers who are seeking a more detailed knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in its various stages and an overview of support resources that are available in their area; so that they might better understand how to care for their loved-one or care-recipient. It provides valuable information on the disease process and a full discussion on what to expect and how to best provide care during the progressing stages of Alzheimer’s. Participants will learn effective ways to communicate, connect with and provide daily care for their loved ones in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing – and growing fast. Today, 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease – 3.3 million – are women. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia*.
Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, someone in the United States will develop Alzheimer’s dementia every 33 seconds. By that same year, as many as 16 million will have the disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $259 billion in 2017, increasing to $1.1 trillion by mid-century.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 38,000 New Mexicans are suffering from Alzheimer’s. They are cared for by 106,000 unpaid caregivers, many of whom are members of their own families.
If you need help, call us: The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter offers many free services and resources to caregivers and families facing the disease: support groups, care consultations, respite, educational presentations, safety programs, information and referral and more. Contact any of our 5 branch offices in the state: Albuquerque (Main Office) (505).266.4473, Santa Fe (Northeastern New Mexico) (505).473.1297, Farmington (Northwestern New Mexico) (505).326.3670, Roswell (Southeastern New Mexico) (575).624.1552 and Las Cruces (Southwestern New Mexico) (575).647.3868.
You can also call our 24/7 Helpline anytime, day or night for support or for more information: 1.800.272.3900.
*Source for all statistics: The 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
