According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable brain disease that causes a slow, progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures, over 11 million caregivers provide unpaid care for the 6+ million Americans currently living with AD. While one in nine people aged 65 and older has AD, one in three die from AD or another type of dementia. AD kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined. Deaths due to AD have increased by 16% during the pandemic. 

As the U.S. population grows and ages, the number of Americans living with AD and other dementias will continue to grow. By 2050, the number of older adults with AD is projected to reach 12.7 million. Due to cost, care, and increasing prevalence with age, AD is a major public health concern. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “early detection and diagnosis, reducing risky health behaviors, collecting and using surveillance data, developing workforce competencies, and mobilizing partnerships across the communities” will help improve the life quality for people living with AD and reduce the costs associated with it. 

To help improve health and well-being in Grayson County, FSC Extension partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to deliver the national Alzheimer’s program, Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease (UAD) along with 2 other programs focused on AD behaviors and communication.  

Ten participants registered for the lessons and 10 completed post-lesson evaluations. Eighty percent (80%) of participants reported that they can more (a) accurately compare AD and other dementias; (b) recognize how AD affects the brain and causes changes in memory and behavior; (c) list risk factors of AD; and (d) recognize current FDA-approved treatments. Ninety percent (90%) reported that the program helped them (a) learn the stages of AD; (b) discover ways in which scientists are working to advance research; and (c) identify various resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association. The program met 100% of the participants expectations. 

Participants have requested more programming opportunities in this subject area. FCS Extension has shared some virtual opportunities with the Alzheimer’s Association and will be planning more in person programming in the Spring of 2022.  

References 

Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). 2021 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures special report. Retrieved November 17, 2021 from https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf 

Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). The public health approach. Retrieved November 17, 2021 from https://www.alz.org/professionals/public-health/the-public-health-approach