According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $214 billion in 2014, increasing to $1.2 trillion (in today’s dollars) by mid-century. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia.” As a result, Alzheimer’s disease is a public health concern affecting many families and communities. 

In Kentucky, it is estimated that 11% of older adults live with Alzheimer’s disease and that 267,000 caregivers provide 304 million hours of care. These hours add up to $3,789 million in unpaid care (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). Therefore, it is important to educate people about the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease and help them fight the fear, resistance and reluctance to visit a doctor when the warning signs appear. 

Through a collaborative effort with the Alzheimer’s Association, FCS Extension is delivering the “The Basics of Alzheimer's: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease" program. This program is designed to teach people more about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

The Metcalfe County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science Education presented “Brain Basics” to two participants--one of whom was a young male caregiver (age 18 years old or younger) and the other, a White female, age 75-84. Both people were satisfied with the program and learned about the (a) symptoms of the disease, (b) affects it has on memory and behavior, (c) risk factors and early detection, and (d) process of proper diagnosis.