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DES Recognizes Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to reflect upon the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) on older adults, their families and caregivers, and the community at large. More than 6 million Americans are estimated to live with Alzheimer’s Disease, including 150,000 individuals aged 65 and older in Arizona. If the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease isn’t staggering enough, its impact as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States must give us pause.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that ultimately steals an individual’s ability to function. It can severely affect their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, including memory, behavior, speaking, and self-care. Individuals with late-stage Alzheimer’s can have difficulty speaking and aren’t always aware of what’s going on around them. They can have problems with swallowing, walking, talking, paying their bills on time, taking medications or remembering important medical appointments, for example. In later stages of the disease, individuals can be completely dependent on others for care.

Approximately 261,000 family caregivers have dedicated their care, time and attention to support loved ones with Alzheimer’s in Arizona. Collectively, this compassionate group provided 511 million hours of unpaid care in 2022. Many caregivers provide for their loved ones without question, assuming the responsibility as something anyone would do for family. Yet the work they do every day is astonishing and ought to be celebrated. In fact, by self-identifying as a caregiver, they are able to take advantage of many resources, including well-deserved respite, through the DES Family Caregiver Support Program.

In addition to informal care, there is a wide array of home and community based services available to help support individuals living with Alzheimer’s. The DES Division of Aging and Adult Services partners with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide a myriad of services to older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s. Those services include:

  • Adult day care
  • Adult day health care
  • Home delivered meals and meals at senior centers
  • Home health aide
  • Housekeeping
  • Personal care
  • Respite care
  • Transportation
  • Visiting nurse

Arizona has been at the forefront of addressing Alzheimer’s. In 2011, the Arizona Alzheimer’s Task Force brought together a wide array of stakeholders to develop a plan for the growing number of Arizonans with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2016, the Task Force published the Arizona Alzheimer’s State Plan: A Framework for Action to inform the State’s response to rising numbers. The latest State Plan on Aging carries that focus forward by incorporating special attention to individuals living with Alzheimer’s in the plan’s strategy and objectives.

As the State continues to address rising rates of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arizona, we can all help in other ways. You can raise awareness by going purple and showing your support throughout the month by wearing purple clothing. The Alzheimer’s Association also invites you to participate in the Longest Day campaign on the summer solstice–June 21. On this day, people from across the world will fight the darkness of Alzheimer's through a fundraising activity of their choice.

Alzheimer’s can affect anyone. I appreciate your partnership in helping to raise awareness and supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Angie Rodgers

Source: Alzheimer’s Association