Alzheimer's Disease Month

VA Caregiver Support Program is acknowledging Alzheimer’s disease Awareness Month.  We know so much more about Alzheimer’s disease today than we did 30 years ago.  The National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association has provided more insight about the Disease through research.  Did you know? As many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease. About a half million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This is referred to as young onset or early onset. Studies show that Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is physically, emotionally and financially challenging.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the continued impact on Caregivers will continue to grow as our population ages.  Research shows Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease: are about two-thirds of Caregivers are women, 34% are age 65 or older, 41% have a household income of $50,000 or less, Half of primary caregivers of people with dementia take care of parents. Many of these Caregivers suffer from untreated physical and mental illness due to the stress from caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. If you know of a Caregiver of a Veteran with Alzheimer’s or dementia, please let them know the VA Caregiver Support Program is here to support.  The VA REACH program offers amazing support to our caregiver and Veterans, please visitwww.caregiver.va.gov to learn more from your local Caregiver Support Coordinator. With VA's Caregiver Support Line assistance is just a quick phone call away. Whether you're in need of immediate assistance or have questions about what services you may be eligible for, the caring licensed professionals who answer the support line can: Tell you about the assistance available from VA Help you access services Connect you with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA Medical Center near you. Just listen, if that's what you need right now. If you're just getting started with VA, calling the Caregiver Support Line is a great first step to take to learn more about the support that's available to you.