We were tragically reminded Monday there are many dangers to Alzheimer’s disease patients besides the obvious when Sherman Commodore Jr. died after being struck by a train.
Commodore suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and despite efforts by family members to keep him safe, he wandered from home, as Alzheimer’s patients are often inclined to do.
As the population ages, Alzheimer’s disease, which generally occurs in people over 65, gets more attention and scientists are learning more about the disease through genetic research.
We learned from the National Alzheimer’s Association Web site (www.alz.org) that Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and leads to decline in memory, thinking and reasoning.
These symptoms often make it difficult for caregivers because the patient frequently becomes confused and can be difficult to manage.
There is help and information available to those who are charged with the care of Alzheimer’s patients via the national and regional Alzheimer’s Associations, Buffalo Trace Area Development District and a local support group in Flemingsburg.
The Flemingsburg group meets every third Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the Senior Citizen’s Center at the corner of Harbeson and Elm streets. Organizer Edna McElfresh says the meeting is conducted even if only one person attends. It is open to anyone who needs support and information about the disease.
The BTADD programs are designed to help anyone who is a caregiver, including those caring for Alzheimer’s patients.
The Buffalo Trace Caregivers Group meets the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Mason County Adult Day Care Center which is adjacent to the Mason County Senior Center.
Through the Agency on Aging, the ADD also offers the Family Caregivers Support Program which identifies resources for qualified caregivers and can provide respite care to eligible people. The person receiving care must be 60 or older to be eligible for the program.
The Regional Alzheimer’s Association is in Lexington and may be reached on the Internet by visiting www.alzinky.org or by calling 800-288-2323.
There is also an 800 number (800-272-3900) available seven days a week, 24 hours per day to provide support to people facing Alzheimer’s.
There are dozens of sites on the Internet that address Alzheimer’s disease, a particularly useful one is located at http://groups.msn.com/AlzheimersSupport/homepage. Besides offering information about the disease, the site provides links to other helpful Web sites that provide information on residential facilities, Alzheimer’s specific Medicare information, activities for Alzheimer’s patients, products such as no-rinse shampoo and other support sites.
A program called Safe Return sponsored by the National Alzheimer’s Association seeks to address the problem of Alzheimer’s wandering.
Alzheimer’s patients may be registered on-line at www.alz.org or by calling 888-572-8566 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST. There is a $40 fee.
