In the Hudson Valley nearly 40,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley chapter. Nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than six million Americans have the disease, along with 11 million unpaid caregivers tending to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Considering the nearly double number of caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, an estimate of over 70,000 additional residents in the Hudson Valley as unpaid caregivers seems reasonable. The reach of this disease does not stop here, since these numbers are expected to continue rising as they have over the last twenty years. Between 2000 and 2019, deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145 percent, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Their predictions for New York State from 2020 to 2025 forecast an increase of 12.2 percent. This progressive, and frequently heart-breaking, disease affects the brain and causes dementia, leading to memory loss, and difficulty thinking and performing everyday activities.

Next month, on Monday, November 6, an open community forum, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley chapter, will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the William Koehler Memorial Senior Center in Mahopac. With the support of the Office for Senior Resources, the Putnam County Department of Health, and Putnam Ridge, a skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation center in Putnam, the event will bring together community members to gather feedback about gaps in services and resources for both patients and caregivers related to Alzheimer’s disease. Registration details will be shared widely, including on the health department social media accounts.

Another opportunity to help the cause will take place even sooner. On Sunday, October 22, Putnam residents and others can participate in the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a three-mile walk in Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel that will raise money to further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Walkers can circle the park’s one-mile loop three times or add on additional laps if desired. Registration is free, and when registering individuals can select to join the health department’s team or another team, start their own group, or walk as an individual.

The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and all funds raised through the walk are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For further information or to register for the walk, visit: 2023 Putnam Walk to End Alzheimer’s

For further information on Alzheimer’s and other dementias visit: https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf