ALZHEIMER’S News:ALBUQUERQUE ― Families facing Alzheimer’s disease will have access to a free presentation in Santa Fe, NM offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.
“Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers (Middle Stage)” is a FREE educational event presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter 2-4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4. The event is hosted by the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center at 1121 Alto St. in Santa Fe.
These 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. Participants will learn effective ways to communicate, connect with and provide daily care for their loved ones in the intermediate stage of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. 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.
For more information or to register, contact Tina De La Luz at 505.473.1297 or tdelaluz@alz.org.
Class size is limited and they do fill up quickly. Call now to register. Participants may be reimbursed for the cost of having others tend to their loved one while they attend the classes.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing – and growing fast. Today, 5.4 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*.
Someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds. In 2050, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds. By that same year, up to 16 million will have the disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s
The growing Alzheimer’s crisis is helping to bankrupt Medicare. In 2016, the direct costs to American society of caring for those with Alzheimer’s will total an estimated $236 billion, with just under half of the costs borne by Medicare. This cost is projected to increase to $1.1 trillion (in today’s dollars) by 2050.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 37,000 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.
The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter offers free classes to caregivers and families facing the disease. Call 505.266.4473 or our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 for more information.
*Source for all statistics: The 2016 Alzheimer’s DiseaseFacts and Figures report at alz.org/facts.
