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In light of new research, which indicates
that early and aggressive treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
can slow the progression of symptoms and lessen the level of
disability, the Alabama Department of Mental Health/Mental
Retardation and the Department of Senior Services are
pleased to announce their collaboration in developing a new
program for Alzheimer’s caregivers in Alabama. "We
are truly excited about combining our educational and
clinical expertise with the community service provider
system within the Department of Senior Services to identify
Alabamians who may have dementia in its early stages and to
educate their caregivers," said DMH/MR Commissioner
Kathy Sawyer.
The new program will be funded by a
federal grant to assist the family caregivers of the 57,000
individuals with dementia in Alabama. The program will focus
on early intervention and identification of persons with
dementia and their caregivers. Staff from the DMH/MR
Dementia Education and Training program will train caregiver
coordinators in each of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA),
which are part of the state Department of Senior Services.
The dementia resource person in each of the area agencies
will join forces with local support groups and dementia
educators to expand existing educational services for family
caregivers and professionals. Education will focus on the
value of early disease detection and treatment. Older people
will be encouraged to undergo screening for dementia and
persons with confirmed diagnoses can receive appropriate
therapy.
"Our goal is to create a system of
care in Alabama that uses all available resources and
assures that our citizens have access to the best support
systems in our nation," said Dr. Richard Powers,
director of the DMH/MR Bureau of Geriatric Psychiatry and
the DETA program. Through its DETA program, the Department
of Mental Health and Mental Retardation currently manages a
statewide educational program on dementia care. The DETA
program has received national awards and recognition for its
ability to care for older persons with mental illness or
dementia. These programs are part of the National Caregiver
initiatives that support the millions of American citizens
who care for older persons or those with disabilities. |
