Help available locally For Alzheimer's victims

Help is available in Cameron County for people affected by Alzheimer's disease, either as a victim or a caregiver.

Next meeting of the local Alzheimer's Support Group will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at 313 South Chestnut Street, Emporium.

The group's meetings, which last about 90 minutes, offer help and educational support to caregivers. There is no cost and reservations are not required.

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a devastating disorder of the brain's nerve cells that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior and leads, ultimately, to death. An estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.

The number of Americans with the disease has more than doubled since 1980 and will continue to grow. Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's.

One in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 are affected. Average survival time is affected by age at diagnosis and severity of other medical conditions.

More than seven out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. Half of all nursing home residents have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.