Floyd Memorial Hospital & Health Services

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter will engage public officials, Alzheimer’s advocates and the general public by hosting a town meeting on Tuesday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m.  Participants will discuss the need to plan for the increasing number of Indiana residents affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, including ways to assist individuals with the disease and their families.  Topics will include the need for community resources and increased federal funding for research.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease and this number is expected to reach 16 million by mid-century.  By 2010, there will be 120,000 Indiana residents affected; with this number projected to climb to 130,000 by 2025. 

“The financial impact over the next 10 years on state and federal budgets will be enormous,” Chapter President and CEO Teri Shirk said.  ”The U.S. is currently spending more than $148 billion annually on care for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.  We need to move forward to find a way for earlier diagnosis, help for caregivers and an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.”

In 2007, Indiana had approximately 84,000 people in nursing homes, and 39 percent had moderate to severe dementia.  There are 211,236 family members in Indiana providing care to persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  This meeting offers the opportunity to raise awareness and bring these facts to the attention of officials.  Karen M. Robinson, DNS, PMHCNS- BC, FAAN, Executive Director of the Volunteer Caregivers Program, will speak about the experience and needs of family caregivers.

“Unless we take action now, we are going to be overwhelmed in the next decade with people who need care on a daily basis, not to mention the staggering healthcare and services costs to government budgets,” Shirk said.

The meeting will be held at Floyd Memorial Hospital, Paris Education Center, Classroom One, 1850 State Street, New Albany, Indiana, and is free and open to the public.  Guests can register by calling the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900.