COMMUNITY

Ruidoso hosts Alzheimer’s “Safety” presentation

Ruidoso News reports
Alzheimer's Association.

ALBUQUERQUE  – Safety in the home of an individual with Alzheimer’s disease; and prevention of “wandering’ be the subject of a free presentation offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.

"Safety in the Home" will be hosted by the Ruidoso Community Center, 501 Sudderth Drive, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 13.

"Safety in the Home" will deliver practical techniques for ensuring optimal safety in the home of an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia.  The presentation will also educate participants on the prevention of wandering. “Wandering” is the phenomenon in which persons with Alzheimer’s or dementia leave familiar surroundings and become lost. Wanderers are often attempting to execute duties from bygone jobs, or searching for something they believe to be lost.

The presentation is recommended for anyone who is caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia and may be dealing with these issues or symptoms.

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.

To register or for more information contact Priscilla Lujan at 575-624-1552 or email plujan@alz.org.