Gov. Susana Martinez is creating a new position in state government to help New Mexicans cope with Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.
Martinez says creating the position is part of a plan to meet caregiver needs, improve quality of care and broaden public awareness about dementia and available resources.
Martinez says she particularly wants to help family caregivers who often feel isolated and alone.
According to Martinez, the new staff position will be housed at the Aging and Long-Term Services Department and the person holding that job will report directly to that agency's Cabinet secretary.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that mostly strikers older people.
Martinez's office says more than 31,000 New Mexicans have Alzheimer's disease.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.