November 2, 2017

Alzheimer’s Disease: Go Purple in November

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.  We know much more about this disease now than we did back then, but some facts and figures from www.alz.org can be startling:

  • Currently, 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.  By 2050, it could be as high as 16 million.
  • Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease kills more Americans than breast cancer AND prostate cancer COMBINED.
  • Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States of America develops Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • 1 in 3 seniors will die of Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
  • More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.  In 2016, it is estimated that it equaled to 18.2 billion hours of unpaid care, a dollar value of $230 BILLION.
  • In 2017, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $259 billion.  By 2050, the costs could be as high as $1.1 TRILLION.

The South Arkansas Center on Aging Education Center in El Dorado specializes in helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients.

  • Thursday, November 16:  Caregiver Celebration | 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | Be our guest at this event honoring and celebrating YOU!  El Dorado Conference Center, Murphy Hall 1.
  • Thursday, November 16 | Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group | 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm | Held every third Thursday of each month, a light lunch is provided.  Simmons First Bank, 2nd floor conference room.
  • Tuesday, November 28 | Family Caregiver Workshop:  Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | This workshop will present an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and provide caregiving tips that help maintain respect, dignity and quality of life for the person living with dementia.  Lunch provided by Courtyard Nursing & Rehab | Call 870-881-8969 to reserve your spot.
  • Tuesday, November 28 | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Experience | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | This 30 minute program simulates symptoms of dementias to help health care providers and caregivers.  Call to reserve your spot.

Caregiver SUCCESS Program | If you are a caregiver of a loved one and you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, inadequate, or burnt out, then the caregiver SUCCESS program may be for you.  We offer one-on-one counseling sessions with Certified Dementia Practitioners specific to the needs of the caregiver, as well as 24 hour support, resources and suggestions to make caring for your loved one more manageable.  To speak with someone about SUCCESS or to schedule a free consultation, call 870-881-8969.