Today, an American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 68 seconds.

In 2050, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

In support of World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Mayor Johnny Magee welcomed a group of dedicated citizens to City Hall of Laurel, where he signed the proclamation declaring September as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month for the City of Laurel and Jones County.    

Mayor Magee stated, “We value this cause. The alarming fact that Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, we must support these efforts to educated the people, learn the facts and gain resources to meet our healthcare needs.”

There are an estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages that have Alzheimer’s disease. This includes an estimated 5 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals younger than age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.  Over 53,000 people in the state of Mississippi have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which results in the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.  In Alzheimer’s disease, healthy brain tissue deteriorates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities. Alzheimer’s disease may start with slight memory loss and confusion, but it eventually leads to irreversible mental impairment that destroys a person’s ability to remember, reason, learn and imagine.

Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and hope continues throughout the country as research continues.  “Unfortunately, today there are no Alzheimer’s survivors.” said Ladd Hatten, South Central Regional Medical Center, Long-Term Care Director. “We recognize that urgent, meaningful action is necessary, we proudly join forces with community leaders to participate in the September awareness campaign.”  According to the Alzheimer’s Association one in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s disease or another form dementia; thus support to research is vital.

Vicki Walters, South Central Behavioral Health Services Director, stated “Our team is excited to host the awareness campaign with other area providers, nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living facilities throughout our community bringing education and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease during the month of September. There will be various fundraising opportunities, which include the Forget-Me-Not flower donation cards and HOPE the Purple Elephant will visit nursing homes, healthcare facilities and churches to aid in promotion; all money being raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association”.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Walters states, “Since 2006 our community has received tremendous support from the Alzheimer’s Association through educational workshops and resources and support to the Jones County Caregiver’s Support Group. Anyone wanting to host HOPE the elephant, participate or in need of a speaker please contact, Anna Hamilton 601-319-0094. 

Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing for both those who are diagnosed and those close to them.  The Caregiver’s Support Group, sponsored by South Central Senior Care meets the first Friday of each month to bring caregiver’s together, to learn more about the disease and a place to connect with other caregivers who truly understand what you are going through. This support group is a chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association with 24/7 Helpline or call 800.272.3900 or visit the website at alz.org. For more information about the Caregiver’s Support Group or to participate in the Alzheimer’s Awareness Project, please contact Donna Bailey at 601.319.6493.

Susan Brown, Social Services, Comfort Care Nursing Center; Geraldine Scott, Social Services, Jones County Rest Home; Heather Gilbert, Administrator; Comfort Care Nursing Center; Ladd Hatten, Long Term Care Director, Comfort Care Nursing Center/Jones County Rest Home; , Sandra Blackledge, Owner, Nan’s Personal Care Home; Mayor Johnny Magee, City of Laurel; Anita Scott, Intake Coordinator, South Central Progressions; Donna Bailey, Community Liaison, South Central Behavioral Health Services; Jack Delk, Owner, Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living; Anna Hamilton, Intake Coordinator, South Central Behavioral Health; Vicki Walter, Director, South Central Behavioral Health Services; Rev. Jerald Ulmer; Rene Read, Administrator, Laurelwood Community Living Center; Sylena Speed, Activities Director, Laurelwood Community Living Center; Bre Aaron, Clinic Manager, South Central Behavioral Health Clinic