Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Support Groups for Alzheimer's: You Are Not Alone

Did you know that every 67 seconds someone in this country develops Alzheimer's?
While that is a staggering and unbelievable fact, caring for someone with Alzheimer's does not have to be so frightening.

The Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association purpose is to "empower and support individuals, families, care partners and communities, affected by dementia in Arizona and Southern Nevada."

Nearly all of us know someone or are directly affected by someone with dementia. Not normally a part if the aging process, this degenerative disease affects all socio-economic, ethnic, and racial groups for 1 in 10 over the age of 65; and increases to about half for those over the age of 85.

Today there are a number of ways to receive the much needed support
Sources of support include: 24/7 Help line, Family Care Consultation, Educational Programs, Early Stage Programs, and Support Groups offered by the Alzheimer's Association.

Here in Oro Valley there are two support groups:

• At the Northwest Hospital every first and third Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 and every first and third Tuesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 
• At the Oro Valley Public Library. Please call 520-322-6601 to reserve your spot.

Whether you are a caregiver of someone who has Alzheimer's, if someone you know has the disease, or if you are in the early stages, these are great groups to meet those struggling with the same issues and asking the same questions. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers offering skills, information, and experience. These are great resources. Please reach out to them so you won't have to feel alone.

Want to learn more? Visit alz.org.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!