Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1731
AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: MAY 2009 21 M ore than five million Ameri- cans are living with Alzheim- er's disease and 70 percent of them live at home in the community. To help law enforcement protect these individuals, the Alzheimer's Association has created "Approaching Alzheimer's: Make your fi rst response the right response." This outreach and training program, designed with and for law enforcement offi cers, paramedics, fire fighters, disaster relief personnel and other fi rst responders, provides strategies for work- ing with people who have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. "The Alzheimer's As- sociation has always been a leader in Alzheimer's safety," said Beth Kallmyer, director of client services with the Alzheimer's Associ- ation. "The new Approach- ing Alzheimer's training program will assist fi rst re- sponders by providing them with tools to quickly and appropriately respond to people with the disease in their community." The subjects covered in the training include: Wan- dering, Unsafe Driving/ Shoplifting/Unsafe Guns, Abuse & Neglect, and Di- saster Response. A highlight of the pro- gram is a DVD featuring actual fi rst responders por- traying scenarios based on previous encounters with citizens with dementia. "We are very excited to work with the Alzheimer's Association and utilize these tools to better understand and assist people who are living with Alzheimer's," said Officer Bill Roscop, Mt. Prospect Police Depart- ment. "Understanding the signs of Alzheimer's and how to communicate with people who have the dis- ease will enable us to better serve both people with the disease and the community as a whole." Training is available by contacting the local Al- zheimer's Association chap- ter. For more information about the Approaching Al- zheimer's training or con- tacting your local chapter, go to www.alz.org or call 1.800.272.3900. The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information, visit www.alz.org. Free Alzheimer's training for law enforcement Valuable training to help police offi cers cope with challenges of dealing with the affected population Circle number 152 on the Reader Service Card.