Agency brings hope to families of Alzheimer's

Sociologists and economists who work in Alaska have made much in recent years of the &#8220graying” of the state. The influx of people here in the '70s and '80s, and the fact that fewer of them are leaving for warmer climates than used to, have contributed to a significant increase both in the average age in the state and the number of senior

citizens.

One look at the number of assisted living centers and retirement communities that have sprung up in Alaska in the last 10 years is proof enough of the graying phenomenon. Communities have dealt with this rise in senior population to varying degrees of success.

As the population ages, though, the cost of health care also becomes a factor for both communities and individuals. When that health care includes Alzheimer's disease, the cost moves beyond financial.

According to Alzheimer's Association statistics, more than seven out of 10 people afflicted with Alzheimer's live at home, where almost 75 percent of their care is provided by family and friends. That care costs families about $19,000 a year, and most of it comes out of pocket.

The financial drain does not end at the family level. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that the disease costs American businesses $61 billion a year, including $24.6 billion in straight health care and another $36.5 billion in costs related to caregivers, such as lost productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement.

No disease is pleasant. But Alzheimer's is, perhaps, particularly insidious for its combination of unpredictability, incurability and the way it robs victims of cognitive awareness and families of meaningful time together near the end of life.

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. In Alaska, it's a good time to remember both how arbitrary the affliction is, and, because of the larger percentage of seniors in our population, how much more quickly it is on the rise here than in most other states.

The Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska's Mat-Su office is available all year to answer questions, provide a wealth of information and offer a wide range of free and low-cost services to patients and their families. This month, the agency also has several events planned as part of its observance of Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

On Nov. 15, a free community workshop is being offered at the Upper Susitna Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. These workshops will be repeated Nov. 22 and 30 at the Mid Valley Senior Center and Mat-Su College, respectively, from 6:30-9 p.m. The agency is hosting an open house Nov. 17 at its Trinity Barn Plaza location on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. All events are free.

About one in 10 people older than 65 is affected by Alzheimer's. Nearly half of those older than 85 are affected.

These are sobering statistics. Until a cure is found, Valley residents are fortunate to have a community resource available for support.