Public invited to learn more on dementia

The Carlsbad public is invited to attend a seminar Aug. 17 on dementia, a leading disease in those 65 and older.

The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pecos River Village conference Center, 711 Muscatel Avenue in Carlsbad.

It is being sponsored by the Carlsbad Age Friendly Committee, in conjunction with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department and in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico.

The seminar will be led by Sashua Patton, southeastern regional manger for the New Mexico Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Roswell.

Patton will be joined by Tracy Wohl of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, who has 13 years of experience in the field.

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and Landsun Homes are also sponsors of the event.

Age Friendly Cities and Communities is a global coalition of cities and communities committed to becoming more friendly to all ages.

Statistics in dementia are daunting.

One in nine people who are 65 years and older have the disease. Those 85 and older are more likely to be diagnosed  - one in three, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Those diagnosed with the disease suffer from decline in memory and communication skills. Often they suffer from mood swings and can experience a gradual loss of skills needed to perform everyday activities.

Depression and anxiety are also often diagnosed among those who suffer from dementia.

The move to create more dementia friendly towns in the U.S. is gaining ground, members of the Carlsbad Age-Friendly Committee said.

The event is expected to help create awareness among community members, businesses and caretakers of those suffering from dementia about how to better create an understanding environment.

The event is free to the public.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at 575-628-5531, jonsurez@currentargus.com or @JussGREAT on Twitter.