One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s disease was officially listed as the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2021 (behind COVID-19).  It remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older.  (Alzheimer’s Association). 

As a result of these statistics, and guidance from the Boone County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee, a day-long workshop focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s was developed in cooperation with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati and the Northern Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents. A resource fair with 14 vendors was a part of the event, allowing participants to learn about local organizations that might be beneficial for them or their loved ones.

A general overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia, elder law, and Medicare scams was presented in the morning session. The afternoon session featured two tracks – one focused on general information and the other focused on caregivers. More than 100 adults from the general public participated in this program, some knowing someone with dementia, and others wishing to learn about the disease.

A mailed follow-up survey was sent to all participants about 3 months after the session to determine if any actions had occurred as a result of the program. More than a third of the attendees returned the survey to show:

87% better understand Alzheimer’s disease and its progression including the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s and the types of dementia in general

81% now know that other factors such as medications and dehydration  may affect memory or behaviors

58% increased their awareness and knowledge of Medicare scams and scams in general

45% have engaged in more or different physical activity to improve or maintain their own health

32% have employed techniques learned in the program to engage loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s in activities or better communicated with them

23% have talked with their own healthcare provider about their own memory and dementia concerns

32% have changed their eating habits to improve their overall health

32% have taken steps to improve their own brain health including more challenging brain games, memorization activities and walking.

19% have analyzed the behaviors of their loved ones with dementia and worked to haven’t them more effectively by setting schedules and phrasing statements and questions differently.

Overall the program achieved the goals set for it. Some individuals have pushed for testing for themselves or their loved ones with their healthcare providers. One individual shared “It has given me the courage to begin talking with family and medical professionals and get tested for ‘forgetfulness.’” Other completed living wills, updated their wills, or had wills and power of attorney documents created.