Alzheimer's Association to present free class in April

The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota–North Dakota, represented by Regional Center Director Carol Thelen, will present Understanding Alzheimer’s and Other Related Dementias on April 16 in Alexandria.

This presentation provides a basic overview of Alzheimer’s disease and focuses on the disease process, warning signs, risk factors, diagnosis information and how you can help.

This class will take place at Ecumen Bethany Community, 1020 Lark Street in Alexandria on Monday, April 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served.

Registration is required. Make your reservation at kathybeeler@ecumen.org or call Kathy B at (320) 762-1567 during business hours.

Alzheimer’s is an epidemic. The 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reports that it is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only one in the top 10 causes of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

Today as many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 97,760 here in Minnesota. While death rates for most major chronic diseases continue to decline, Alzheimer’s continues to rise. Every 69 seconds someone develops this devastating disease and by mid-century someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

People living with Alzheimer’s survive an average of four to eight years, yet some live as long as 20 years before the disease ultimately causes death, often putting a tremendous strain – physically, emotionally and financially – on friends and families.

There are 237,441 Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in Minnesota, who provided 270,397,947 hours of care valued at $3,225,847,510.

The growing prevalence and the increasing number of caregivers will continue to have staggering implications on government. Already, Medicare costs for an older person with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are three times higher than the average of other older people without these conditions, while Medicaid payments are more than nine times higher.

About Ecumen Bethany Community

Ecumen Bethany Community offers independent and assisted living, skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation services, a senior fitness center, and community outreach services for Alexandria area residents, including adult day services, respite care, and the VoiceCare home medical alert system. Soon to come is Memory Care.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Their 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.

The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota serves every county in both states through seven regional offices. Its Western Minnesota Regional Office in St. Cloud serves 40 counties in central, western and northern Minnesota.

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