From: Mary Ellen Wyman
Columbus
More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care, such as physical, emotional and financial support, for the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
In Indiana, there are more than 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 335,000 caregivers. While support for people with Alzheimer’s is vital, caregivers, too, need support.
The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter provides free community education programs and services, and raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease in local communities.
I am a volunteer Alzheimer’s Association community educator and will be presenting education programs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday and March 26 in the Fellowship Hall at First Lutheran Church, 3600 E. 25th St. in Columbus, and 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 11 at the Community Church of Columbus, 3850 N. Marr Road.
As the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association from 1994 to 2004, and now a volunteer, I have a lengthy professional and personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, and my husband does as well. One important thing I’ve learned over the years is that those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia have absolutely no control over the disease. Caregivers also have absolutely no control, but the one thing we do have control over is how much we choose to learn about it. So take advantage of all of the free programs and services the association has to offer.
With more than 5 million Americans living with the disease, Alzheimer’s is a growing epidemic. It is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death and the only disease in the top 10 with no way to stop, prevent or slow progress.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, with a mission to eliminate the 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.
For more information about education programs or Alzheimer’s disease, visit alz.org/indiana or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
