Alzheimer’s Association Providing Local Support and Funding Global Research
Alzheimer’s is a disease that impacts the entire family and takes a devastating toll on people living with the disease as well as their loved ones. Nationwide, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 16 million family members and friends serving as caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association strives to enhance care and support for all impacted by the disease.
In Maine, there are more than 29,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease supported by roughly 46,000 family caregivers providing 68 million hours of unpaid care. Dementia caregivers are providing 20% more care than in 2009. In an effort to draw awareness to the growing public health crisis and to support the tens of thousands of families grappling with the disease, the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers several services and programs at no cost.
As age friendly community efforts increase in Waldo County and in all of Maine, understanding the disease and how it impacts families, communities, and society as a whole is vital. Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by Alzheimer’s or another related dementia. That is why the Association is committed to ensuring no one faces this disease alone. We offer educational programs, support groups, and webinars. The 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 offers information and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The helpline answers more than 300,000 calls each year and offers translation services in more than 200 languages.
The Maine Chapter has increased the availability of free online programs and support groups to help caregivers and their families as the COVID-19 crisis presents unique challenges for caregivers, healthcare professionals and people living with dementia. Educational programs feature information on topics such as: detecting the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis, communication strategies, living with Alzheimer’s, and caregiving techniques. Resources including tip sheets, virtual programs, development events, and public policy updates can be found at alz.org/maine or by calling the 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900.
As the world’s largest private nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Alzheimer’s Association has undertaken a multitude of research initiatives working toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure. The organization has provided funds for Alzheimer’s research for more than 30 years and has invested over $455 million in nearly 3,000 scientific investigations. For more information on the research we fund, visit alz.org/research
No stone can be left unturned. Through grants awarded from the Alzheimer’s Association such as “Part the Cloud Translational Research Initiative”, scientists are evaluating the use of existing HIV/AIDS, diabetes and organ transplant drugs as possible therapies for Alzheimer’s dementia. Other research funded by recent grants will investigate novel drugs that might alleviate, delay or slow the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast. As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 13.8 million. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to strive towards increasing awareness and combating this disease to help accomplish their vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are interested in setting up an educational program for your business or organization, please contact Amy Angelo at: alangelo@alz.org.