One in three senior adults dies each year due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016).  Alzheimer’s is an incurable brain disease that causes a slow, progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). 

An estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages live with Alzheimer’s disease. As many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2016). The cost of caring for those with dementia is estimated to total $236 billion in 2016, increasing to $1.1 trillion dollars by 2050.  Alzheimer’s is the 6^th leading cause of death in the state of Kentucky, with 69,000 adults age 65 and older having been diagnosed.  In 2015, 270,000 unpaid caregivers provided a total of 307,000,000 hours worth of unpaid care.  

The Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee recommended offering programs related to Alzheimer’s and aging. In response to their recommendations, “Know the 10 Warning Signs” was offered to adults in the area.  Eighteen middle-aged adult men and women attended the program that was developed for use with Kentucky Cooperative Extension by the Alzheimer’s Association. The interactive slide show with talking points and handouts provided by the Alzheimer’s Association were used for the program.

During the program participants learned about the signs of normal aging and the signs to be aware of for Alzheimer’s disease, how to talk with loved ones about their concerns, when to see professional help, and where to turn for general information and assistance. 

A follow-up survey was mailed to all participants about 4 months after the program was conducted.  Results from the survey revealed:

All (100 percent) now understand the benefits of early diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

11 (92 percent) are now able to consider factors other than dementia such as medication, dehydration, vision changes or vitamins as they relate to changes in memory

10 (83 percent) are better able to talk with others about concerns with that persons memory

9 (75 percent) are able to name the differences between typical age-related and disease-related cognitive decline

7 (58 percent) have used resources shared in the program

9 (75 percent) are more able to discuss their own memory concerns

2 (17 percent) discussed with a medical professional being tested themselves or having a loved one tested for dementia

Most of the attendees reported changing lifestyle habits such as improving sleep, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their eating pattern, engaging in physical activity on a regular basis and working to manage their weight as methods of potentially reducing their risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease

Immediately following the program one young female attendee shared her personal concern that she was developing Alzheimer’s Disease and was so grateful that she and her husband came to the program to learn more about the disease, questions to ask her health care provider, and steps she might take to improve her overall health and well-being.