skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, November 11, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump talked to Putin, told Russian leader not to escalate in Ukraine; AZ passes abortion measure, advocates still concerned about a Trump presidency; Environmental advocates sue Montana over public documents; Los Angeles tackles hunger with new Office of Food Equity.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A former Harris aide calls for Biden to resign so Harris can briefly take the presidency. Trump wins Arizona, but so does Democrat Ruben Gallego. And AI experts warn that recent election fraud videos were Russian deep fakes.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

play audio
Play

Monday, June 5, 2023   

Stress and normal aging often are blamed for a misplaced cell phone, car keys or the words to a familiar song. But these also could be the warning signs of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Month. In Indiana, it's estimated that about 110,000 people over 65 live with Alzheimer's - a number that's expected to grow by 20,000 in the next two years.

Initially, a person has difficulty remembering recent events. The middle stage can produce disorientation, mood swings, neglect of hygiene and language difficulties.

Laura Forbes - communications director with the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana chapter - said the disease can't be prevented, but there are ways to reduce the risk.

"Eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking - all of those things that you typically hear about when it comes to physical health," said Forbes. "But in the case of brain health, being socially active, keeping your mind engaged, doing crossword puzzles."

The latest data from the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana confirms the disease disproportionately affects women.

Black people are twice as likely to be diagnosed as white people, and Hispanics one and a half times more likely to get an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

In late-stage Alzheimer's, a person often can't feed or dress themselves, so the role of a caregiver is extremely important. Forbes said it isn't unusual for caregivers to be so focused on their loved one that they neglect their own health.

The Indiana study says almost 58% of caregivers report chronic health issues related to their caregiving duties, and nearly 19% said they're in "poor general health."

Forbes said these findings aren't surprising.

"Two hundred and sixteen thousand Hoosiers are serving as their unpaid family caregivers," said Forbes. "More than a third of caregivers here in Indiana reported experiencing depression."

A National Institute on Aging report on caregiving for Alzheimer's patients says it's normal for caregivers to feel discouraged, sad, lonely, frustrated, confused - even angry.

It stresses the need for more self-care, from seeking respite care to joining a support group, making time for hobbies and friends, and seeking professional help.




get more stories like this via email

more stories
The Santana Family of Shrewsbury adopted their then 19-year-old daughter Marisol last year after she spent about 15 years in the foster care system. Marisol calls her adoption a "dream come true." (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Social Issues

play sound

Advocates for foster children in Massachusetts are encouraging people to open their homes and hearts to adoption. More than 8,000 children in the …


Environment

play sound

Scientists are sounding the alarm about growing dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Dead zones are areas of water with hypoxia, or …

Environment

play sound

Native grasslands are the most threatened ecosystem in North America. A South Dakota advocacy group hopes its educational campaign will reach a …


President-elect Donald Trump's plan for mass deportation of immigrants means the U.S. loses out on $22.6 billion and $5.7 billion in Social Security and Medicare contributions, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

As the dust settles from the 2024 election, immigrant New Yorkers fear how Donald Trump's second term will impact them. Many still recall the …

Social Issues

play sound

A proposition on the ballot to change the way voting works in Idaho failed in last week's election. Proposition One would have opened up primaries …

School districts in 29 states banned books during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the latest PEN America report. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Book bans are on the rise in Maryland, according to a new report from PEN America. The nonprofit that tracks issues of free expression says …

Social Issues

play sound

A champion of rights for older LGBTQ+ people has received recognition for her volunteer work in Oregon. Liz James is the winner of the AARP Andrus …

Social Issues

play sound

President Joe Biden's recent apology on behalf of the federal government for harms done to generations of Native American children and their families …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021