NM Aging agency announces forums on dementia-related illnesses

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department will host three community forums throughout the state over the next three months to hear about experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses and connect people with available services.

The free forums, jointly produced by the aging department and the Alzheimer’s Association, will be held in Silver City, Clayton and Tucumcari. 

“No one should have to face Alzheimer’s alone,” Emily Kaltenbach, secretary of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, said in a statement. “Whether they are caregiving for a loved one or facing a diagnosis themselves, we hope that we can start to break the silence around Alzheimer’s, promote early detection, and ensure that everyone has the resources they need.” 

According to an ALTSD news release, organizers encourage attendees to share their stories of living with dementia, caring for someone with dementia, voice concern and ask about available services.

Joey Long, aging department spokesperson, told Source NM an Alzheimer’s Association’s representative will be on hand at all three forums, as well as staff from the department’s Consumer and Elder Rights Division, who will provide information about Medicare and Medicaid options, home-delivered meals, prescription drug assistance, caregiver assistance and legal service options. Kaltenbach will attend the Silver City and Clayton forums, while Deputy Secretary Antoinette Vigil will attend the Tucumcari event.

During the recently completed legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills that will impact seniors in the state, including House Bill 131, which would tighten background checks for potential caregivers; and House Memorial 53, which requests more research be done on Alzheimer’s disease, clinical trials and early detection, and asks the Aging and Long-Term Services Department and the Department of Health to work together in disseminating information to New Mexicans. Both passed and HB131 awaits a signature from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.