[/caption]Carol Forsloff - SPRINGFIELD, Mass., While many folks wonder how survivors of disasters are able to cope with the devastation brought by the kind of storms that have hit the United States this year, the otherwise vulnerable, such as Alzheimer’s patients, face increased risk in the aftermath of serious weather emergencies.
It is easy to forget the needs of people like those with Alzhemier’s disease as there are so many problems that occur in the hours after a major storm, however the Alzheimer’s Association in a recent press release reminds us that the consequences to folks with memory problems can be overwhelming for patients and caregivers
"In an emergency, people with Alzheimer's may become separated from caregivers who are familiar with their condition and unique needs," said James Wessler, President/CEO of The Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter. "Families dealing with Alzheimer's disease face increased stress due to the disruption in their lives, and in some instances, people may find themselves in the role of caregiver for the first time and may not know how to care for someone with Alzheimer's."
Like other states, Massachusetts has a large population of Alzheimer’s patients, most of whom are taken care of at home. When a disaster occurs, there is overwhelming stress and confusion among the victim, which can cause those with memory difficulties to become even more anxious than usual and to have feelings that can lead to agitation and wandering behaviors.
Planning for emergencies is an important variable in the care of Alzheimer’s patients according to the Alzheimer's Association. The group recommends key supplies, documents and important information be immediately at hand, including doctor and emergency service contacts. Those in need of special attention should be registered with MedicAlert + Safe Return. The latter group returns individuals who wander off or have a medical emergency. Additional tips can be found through the Red Cross website.
"Although the threat of tornados in Massachusetts may be comparatively small, the events of this week remind us that disaster can strike at any time," said Wessler. "Our thoughts are with all of those families impacted by the storm, and we are working to help people with Alzheimer's, their families and caregivers who have been affected by this disaster."
