As the aging population in our community continues to grow, many older adults will develop Alzheimer's disease and caregivers will be faced with tough decisions about how to care for their loved one.

Cathy Hanson, with the Alzheimer's Association said there are resources for caregivers that helps answer questions and helps manage stress and time.

"If you are a caregiver, a new caregiver or not even thinking yourself as a caregiver, we encourage families to attend caregiver groups, discussion groups, support groups," Hanson said.

Hanson said there is a 24-hour-hotline available for caregivers. The phone number is 1.800.272.3900.

"We have a lot of caregivers that call in the middle of the night because they just don't know how to handle certain situations. Their loved one may have some erratic sleeping patterns and they may not know how to best settle their loved one down. They might just need someone to talk to, they need support," Hanson said.

It is best to detect this disease as early as possible. It can be recognized by a few certain warning signs.

"Your loved one's ability to remember things. Remember things like dates, it could be a birthday or anniversary date or a doctor's appointment. Forgetting things, short term memory loss that effects your everyday life over and again, forgetting names, places, appointments; things that are happening this week," Hanson said.

If these signs are seen in a loved one and is not normal for them, it is suggested to get a doctor's assessment. Alzheimer's disease is not a "one size fits all" hat and the signs will be vary from person to person.

Alzheimer's disease is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the nation and nearly 5.4 million Americans are living with it.

A free program will be taking place to share information about Alzheimer's Disease, future trends and care giving on Thursday, March 14th at 6 p.m. at Northampton Manor Health Care Center. Participants will learn the stages and warning signs of Alzheimer's, the relationship between Alzheimer's and other causes of dementia and strategies for meaningful communicate with their loved ones. Admission is open to the public and to RVSP, contact Tamica Watson at 301-662-8700 ext. 3126.