15 million Americans provide daily, unpaid care for a family member with dementia. Earlier this summer, San Antonio became one of three Texas cities with an official "dementia friendly" designation.
What's being done to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and the individuals who care for them?
More than 390,000 Texans aged 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer's or other dementias, and this number is expected to go up 28.9% by 2025. What are the signs and symptoms? What does treatment look like? What local resources are available?
Caregivers are individuals who provide support to a person with a physical, emotional or mental disability. The progressive decline in mental ability associated with dementia interferes with daily life and often requires complex care.
How does someone learn to be a caregiver? How do caregivers balance the needs of a loved one with their personal physical, emotional and social health?
How can local governments, law enforcement and first responders, businesses, faith communities and others help meet the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers?Click here for more information about local life skills, workshops and support groups.
Click here for more information about Alzheimer's clinical trials.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900Guests:
- Dr. Carole White, professor and leader of the Caring for the Caregiver program at UT Health San Antonio's School of Nursing
- Dr. Charles Reed, Dr. Charles Reed, vice president, associate chief nursing officer for the University Health System
- Ginny Funk, program director for the San Antonio and South Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Wednesday, July 31 .
