As part of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative, he has announced that $67.5 million will be allocated toward the support of individuals who take care of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
Recipients of this monetary support will receive more than $7.5 million throughout a five-year tenure to assist in program development and caregiver support. Cuomo said the addition is a part of the state’s budget for the initiative.
Alzheimer’s Disease affects thousands of New Yorkers each year and takes a devastating toll on both patients and the caregivers…This investment will provide a wide range of support and respite services for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.
According to an article published by Huffington Post, more than 15 million people care for those who have Alzheimer’s or other dementias, free of charge. As the article states, the majority of caregivers say that their emotional stress is extremely high because of the full-time responsibility that comes with caring for patients. New York State has approximately 380,000 people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and one million unpaid caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia that causes memory, thought and behavioral problems. While most patients of the disease are aged 65 years or older, it can happen to those who are as young as in their 40s or 50s. Currently, there are no cures, but treatments are available.
The organizations receiving this allocation include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter
- Research Foundation for SUNY Plattsburgh
- Catholic Charities of Buffalo
- Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.
- Northeast Health Foundation, Inc.
- Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
- New York University School of Medicine
- Presbyterian Senior Services, Inc.
In other Alzheimer’s coverage at Immortal News, a new virtual reality test can detect Alzheimer’s Disease decades before the disease appears.
