AA News:ALBUQUERQUE ― The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter has announced new, additional details regarding its “Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day” event at the State Capitol during the upcoming legislative session.
The Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter will host legislators, caregivers, and people diagnosed with the disease, along with concerned members of the community, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 30 in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building, aka “The Roundhouse.”
A Press Conference, beginning at 10 a.m., will feature remarks from distinguished members of the legislature and the community. A proclamation designating this special event as “Alzheimer’s Awareness Day in the Legislature” will follow.
The speaker line-up has been updated with the announcement newly scheduled speakers including Steve Hebbe (Chief of Police, Farmington), Alice Liu McCoy (Secretary, NM Aging and Long Term Services Department) and State Senator Richard Martinez (District 5).
Free transportation in the form of a chartered coach bus has been arranged by the NM Chapter, departing from Albuquerque to Santa Fe the morning of the event and returning afterwards. Seating is limited however – if you are interested in this option, please call for details and to reserve your seat now: Tommy Hernandez, Public Policy Director, at 505.266.4473 or at tjhernandez@alz.org.
“Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day” will provide a valuable opportunity for all who are, or have been, affected by the disease to discuss, advocate and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s with state legislators.
The Capitol Building or Roundhouse is located at the corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe. The event is free of charge and members of the public are invited. For more information, contact Tommy Hernandez, Public Policy Director, at (505).266.4473 or at tjhernandez@alz.org.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 39,000 New Mexicans are living with Alzheimer’s. They are cared for by 107,000 unpaid caregivers, many of whom are members of their own families.
All media outlets in the state are highly encouraged to attend and document the event and press conference. For media inquiries, contact: Chris Chaffin, Media Director, Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter (505).266.4473 or at cchaffin@alz.org.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing – and growing fast. Today, 5.7 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. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia*.
Every 65 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 14 million will have the disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest and most impactful nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia science in the world. Currently, the Association’s active investment in research totals nearly $110 million in 19 countries.
Cognitive Decline is a strong indicator of future dementia, and according to figures released by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, it is a growing burden in New Mexico. As of 2016, 12.5 percent (or 1 in every 8) New Mexicans 45 and older report confusion or memory loss happening more often or getting worse (“subjective cognitive decline”); 33% of those with memory problems live alone, and for those with worsening memory problems, 58.2 percent say it has created “functional difficulties”. Nearly 54% of those with memory problems have not spoken to their doctor or healthcare professional about it. If you feel like you may be experiencing memory issues, speak with your doctor about it.
If you need help, call us. Our 24/7 Helpline anytime is available any time, day or night for support or information: 1.(800).272.3900.
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.
We have five branch offices in the state: Albuquerque (Main Office), Santa Fe (Northeastern New Mexico), Farmington (Northwestern New Mexico), Roswell (Southeastern New Mexico) and Las Cruces (Southwestern New Mexico). All offices may be contacted by calling 1.(800).272.3900.
*Source for all statistics: The 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 1.(800).272.3900.
