Anytime an individual or loved one is diagnosed with a life altering disease there is stress and anxiety. Perhaps the disease that is most dreaded and misunderstood is Alzheimer’s. Nationally over 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Over 10,000 Vermonters live with Alzheimer’s each day. Research has not yet found what causes this disease that robs people and families of cherished memories.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont has services and programs to help those diagnosed, their caregivers, and their loved one. According to Pamela Smith, Interim Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont there “ is a tremendous amount of forward momentum.” Vermont’s Board of Directors according to Smith is “committed to making the Vermont chapter a leader in Alzheimer’s care, education and advocacy.”

There are 15 support groups across the state to provide assistance and information on Alzheimer’s. Family members, caregivers, friends and professionals can share their experience, receive emotional support and learn coping techniques. For more information on a support group near you call 802-477-7000. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to enhance research to find a cause and a cure and to offer support and information to those diagnosed and their caregivers. According to Smith it is important that families let people know what they are dealing with so they can get the help and support they need.

Those that call the VT Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will receive caregiver packets that list support groups, have a caregiver manual, and a chapter newsletter. Programs such as Memory Matters is geared to people who have been diagnosed to understand what Alzheimer’s is. In addition to funding research to learn what causes Alzheimer’s and how to treat and cure it there are also services such as Safe Return. Six out of every 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander away. Safe Return provides assistance and support to help find those who wander away. The Alzheimer’s Association also provide train the trainer programs for nursing home and other long-term care facilities for them to better understand Alzheimer’s patients and how to take care of them.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour Helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides help and support anytime of the day or night to families, healthcare professionals and caregivers about problems and concerns. For a disease that causes so much anxiety and confusion the Alzheimer’s Association provides a calm voice in the storm with information and support.

The Alzheimer’s Association is constantly in need of financial support to help fund research and to provide their many programs and services. In an effort to raise awareness and funding each fall the Alzheimer’s Association holds a series of Memory Walks. This year 8 Vermont communities will show their support and raise funds to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s. According to Gail Deuso, Development Associate for the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont, “many of the people we see participating in Memory Walks have a connection to Alzheimer’s and many are aware that it could impact their lives in the future.” With age being the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s there is a recognition that with the aging population there may be an explosion in the number of newly diagnosed patients. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age. One in ten people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, that climbs to 50% in those aged 85 and older. According to Deuso “there is a good chance that if we don’t find a way to treat and or cure Alzheimer’s Disease that there will be a great number of people with Alzheimer’s in the not too distance future.”

Across Vermont the Alzheimer’s Association is holding a series of Memory Walks to honor those who live with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and remember those lost. Memory Walks allow people to raise awareness and funding of Alzheimer’s while supporting those who are on a long and difficult path.

Alzheimer’s Association
1-800-272-3900
802-477-7000

Memory Walk Locations from Sept 15-Oct 13
Barre
St. Albans
Morrisville
Lyndonville
Middlebury
Burlington
Springfield
Bennington

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.