Dementia Friendly Alabama working to keep people with Alzheimers safe [Video]

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – This month, the FDA endorsed a new drug to help people showing signs of early Alzheimer’s. While the treatment will help people, it won’t stop some of the concerns that comes with the disease.

The number of people being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s continues to rise.

“There are over 100,000 people, 65 years and older, in the state of Alabama, living with Alzheimer’s today and twice as many of those people carry the burden of Alzheimer’s as caregivers in the state,” said Debra Hodgett, the Education Specialist for SARCOA.

While the number of people getting diagnosed is going up, so is the number of people with Alzheimer’s getting scammed.

“People in cognitive decline are especially susceptible to fraud and scams,” Hodgett said.

Because of the rising numbers, SARCOA and the Alabama Department of Senior Services is implementing the Dementia Friendly Alabama initiative.

“We teach local businesses how to better assist, provide better safety and just recognize …