www.SeniorsResourceGuide.com/Birmingham/alzheimers

Do you have a question for us? E-mail us now.

Alzheimer's of Central Alabama

www.alzca.org
PO Box 2273
Birmingham, Alabama 35201
205-871-7970

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive loss of mental functioning that affects 10% of the population over the age of 65. Intellectual losses include problems with short term memory, judgment, reasoning, language skills, getting lost and losing things, and difficultly managing self care activities like shopping and cooking, paying the bills, bathing and dressing. The disease causes patients to progress from needing supervision to custodial care to nursing care, and can last from 2 - 20 years.

Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed by a physician who is trained and skilled in geriatrics. Having an evaluation for memory problems is very important, because some causes for memory loss can be treated. If a loved one does have Alzheimer's disease, there are treatments that are available that may slow down the progression of the disease. An evaluation for dementia or Alzheimer's would include: physical tests and blood work to rule out treatable conditions; a mental status exam to test intellectual abilities, verbal fluency, problem solving, and motor abilities; and a scan of the brain (CT or MRI). Families facing this disease need information and support.

Alzheimer's of Central Alabama serves the twenty-one counties across central Alabama, and is the largest non profit organization serving patients and families in Alabama. $0.86 of every dollar raised by ACA funds our programs, services, and research. There are over 59,000 Alabamians with Alzheimer's. It has been estimated that one in three families are affected.

This year, ACA will be providing continence products, day care scholarships and respite care to over 300 patients and their families. Our education programs, newsletter, resource center, and support groups will help over 4,000 caregivers. ACA is also sponsoring two research grants. Dr. Randall Griffith will be studying mild cognitive impairment, and Dr. Amie Ragan will be studying cardiac dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease. ACA is involved with advocacy and outreach efforts on the local, state, and national level.

ACA is hoping to network with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department to develop a system for tracking patients. Each year a minimum of ten patients wander away from home, in Alabama, and are not safely returned. Although only 40% of patients demonstrate wandering behavior, it can lead to deadly consequences. A patient was recently found on the grounds of a middle school in Jefferson County. We want to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

Alzheimer's of Central Alabama's Walking to Remember event is a fun, indoor 3 mile walk held the first Saturday in November, inside the Riverchase Galleria. Over 400 walkers come and show their support for our organization every year. Door prizes, clowns, special events for the kids, and a health fair add to the excitement. Please join with us this special day.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is difficult, but can be more easily mastered by caregivers who are given education, access to services, emotional support, and peace of mind. Your support is invaluable to our work. Please join with us in offering programs for families that provide real help and support, but more importantly, hope.