Albuquerque, NM – June 10, 2019 - Families facing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia will have access a valuable free education course in Alamogordo, NM offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter.
“Skills for Dementia Caregiving” is a FREE six-session program designed for family and friends caring for a loved one with dementia, and presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. The two-hour course will begin with a class on Tuesday, July 9 at 9:00am – 11:00am. After that, classes will be held Wednesdays, beginning July 17 at 9:00am – 11:00am, running through August 14.
The course will be held at the Alamo Senior Center, 2201 Puerto Rico Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310. The course will be taught by Karen Groves, FGP/SCP Coordinator, and is open to all residents of Alamogordo and surrounding communities.
To register or for more information call 1-800-272-3900 or email Alexis Ramirez (Programs Volunteer Case Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter) alramirez@alz.org. For directions, call 505-647-3868.
This evidence-based training aims to teach caregivers practical techniques for interacting with loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and for understanding and managing their behavior. It also imparts tools for long-term planning and for reducing stresses common to dementia or Alzheimer’s caregivers. The course explains the signs, impacts and pathology of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Class size is limited and they do fill up quickly. Call now to register. Participants of “Skills for Dementia Caregiving” may be reimbursed for the cost of having others tend to their loved one while they attend the classes.
Alzheimer’s disease is a threat that is getting worse. Today, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. By 2050, the total number is expected to rise to 14 million. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA*.
Currently, there is no prevention, proven treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In our own state, 41,000 New Mexicans are suffering from Alzheimer’s. They are cared for by 108,000 unpaid caregivers, many of whom are members of their own families.
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest and most impactful nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's and dementia science in the world. Currently, the Association is investing over $165 million in more than 450 projects in 25 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 is available any time, day or night for support or information at 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 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report at www.alz.org/facts.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer's Association is the 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 800.272.3900.