Alzheimer’s Association to present on disease ‘epidemic’ in Southern Utah

Photo by LightFieldStudios/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The Alzheimer’s Association of St. George will be presenting “The Alzheimer’s Epidemic,” offering insight about the disease, its impact on Southern Utah residents and sharing what is being done to find a cure for it.

Ronnie Daniel, executive director of the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, will discuss how the epidemic is spreading across America. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the fourth in Utah. Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Some refer to it as a brain-robbing disease because it causes nerve cells in the brain to die, leading to brain tissue loss followed by a loss of function and communication between cells.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and while many people have heard of it, some are not sure exactly what it is. That is a major issue and so is providing care for people with Alzheimer’s, the association said in a press release.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts the entire family, especially a person’s partner or spouse.  For every person affected by the disease, an average of three unpaid caregivers provide support. They often provide help with activities of daily living, transportation and companionship. Caregivers are prone to feel mental and physical stress while serving,which is due to the length of time care is needed and other demands.

The presentation will take place June 21, from 10-11 a.m. at the Select Health Auditorium, 1424 E. Foremaster Drive.

For more information about the program, contact Mike Miller, the Alzheimer’s Association Southwest regional manager, at [email protected] or 435-238-4998.

Event details: 

  • What: “The Alzheimer’s Epidemic” presentation.
  • When: June 21, 10-11 a.m.
  • Where: Select Health Auditorium, 1424 E. Foremaster Drive, St. George.
  • Admission: Free.
  • For more information, click here.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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