SAN ANGELO, Texas — People around the world have been diagnosed and are living with Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than six million Americans are living with the condition.
“It affects your brain, it affects your memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Eventually, as it progresses you can't complete even the most simplest tasks,” Baptist Retirement Community Registered Nurse and Administrator for SageCrest Alzheimer's Care Center, Tanya Solsbery, said.
Simple tasks like forgetting appointments, names, anniversaries, among other things. Solsbery says people usually begin to see the early stages of Alzheimer's around the age of 60.
But, Alzheimer's doesn't only affect the person with the condition, it can also affect their loved ones.
“If you're caring for a loved one with dementia...what we often see is self neglect. You failed to take care of yourself because you devote a hundred percent of your time to that person with a disease and we encourage you to reach out. We have a monthly support group...that can offer support from other people going through what your going through,” Solsbery said
This condition has led the Baptist Retirement Community and the Alzheimer's Association to partner up to raise awareness during World Alzheimer's Month by hosting a community event.
“This event is really created to help try to find gaps and resources in our community, really hear from our community not just Baptist retirement but the community at large about Alzheimer's disease,” Baptist Retirement Community Director of Marketing, Erin Kelly said.
The event is Friday, Sept. 9 at the Henley-Mabee High Rise, 903 Main St. To register visit communityresourcefinder.org.
Another event happening in the Concho Valley is the ‘2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's’ Saturday, Sept. 17. For more information visit act.alz.org