Albuquerque, NM – February 8, 2019 - Families facing dementia or Alzheimer's disease will have access a free, education course in Silver City, NM offered by the Alzheimer's Association, New Mexico Chapter.
"Skills for Dementia Caregiving" is a FREE seven-session program designed for family and friends caring for a loved one with dementia, and presented by the Alzheimer's Association, NM Chapter. In addition, the "Basics of Alzheimer's Disease" presentation will be included. The class is open to those in Silver City and surrounding communities.
The courses will be instructed by Gigi Ranger-Ellis, CPG, on Saturdays for seven weeks from March 2 through April 13 from 9:00-11:00am. Sessions will be held at the Church of Christ, 1920 Little Walnut Rd, Silver City NM 88061. To register or for more information contact: Gigi Ellis 575-388-1319 or 1-800-272-3900. Email:
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.
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.
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 suffering from Alzheimer's. They are cared for by 107,000 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'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 here or call 1 (800) 272-3900.
