Three articles appeared in The Advocate the week of July 14 all referencing Alzheimer’s disease and the impact it is having on society. Legendary French Quarter artist George Dureau who has been affected by Alzheimer’s for several years is relying on friends to assist him in handling his estate to provide for the mounting costs of his ongoing care in a nursing home. David Schooley, at 57, diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s was shocked but grateful to finally get a diagnosis after two years of searching for why his memory loss was so profound. He has two children, ages 12 and 6. The third article reported on research showing the benefits of delaying retirement and staying active both socially and physically to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.
It’s evident the disease is affecting more people and with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, Alzheimer’s will cost our nation, our communities and families billions of dollars.
An additional toll is the health of the caregiver that is often compromised from years of caring for a loved one.
There is help here in Baton Rouge through Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area; help that is provided at a level far above most cities across the nation.
Our staff is here to assist families along the entire journey from educating them to exploring resources available to supporting needs to respite care and funds.
Charlie’s Place Respite Center is the only social model, person-centered respite program in Louisiana and has been called a model for the nation by Dr. Jamie Nussbaum.
Everyone in the Greater Baton Rouge community should know Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area is here to serve every family coping with the disease. As a nonprofit organization we are grateful for the community support, we receive so that no one in this community needs to walk the Alzheimer’s journey alone; help is a phone call away at (225) 334-7494.
Barbara W. Auten, executive director
Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
Baton Rouge
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