dementia

A directory of evidence-based dementia support programs for informal caregivers is now available online, released in partnership between Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and Family Caregiving Alliance (FCA). People who provide care for friends or family members with dementia can use the directory to identify programs that: Are available in person, online, or over the phone; Reduce caregiver stress and improve well-being; Increase confidence in caregiving Community-based organizations that serve informal caregivers may also find the directory helpful for conducting side-by-side comparisons of programs and or determining which evidence-based support program to adopt.

The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Commit to Connect (CTC) initiative recently released a resource dedicated to supporting social connections for people who have dementia. This resource highlights easily replicable programs such as memory cafes and art or music-focused activities, providing practical examples for enhancing social engagement. In addition, it provides valuable communication tips for interacting with individuals with dementia and encourages active participation in the Commit to Connect Nationwide Network of Champions, fostering a collaborative approach to combat social isolation across diverse demographics.

Older adults may worry about their memory and other thinking abilities, such as taking longer to learn something new. These changes are usually signs of mild forgetfulness — or age-related forgetfulness — and are often a normal part of aging. However, more serious memory problems could be due to mild cognitive impairment, dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, or other factors beyond normal aging. Many older adults can become more forgetful as they age, which is why it is important to learn the differences between age-related forgetfulness and signs of dementia. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recently released an infographic to help differentiate between age-related forgetfulness and signs of dementia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alzheimer's Association have released the fourth edition of the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map, titled "Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023-2027." This Road Map provides public health officials across the United States with a comprehensive set of strategies to promote brain health and enhance the lives of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The new edition focuses on strengthening partnerships, evaluating and utilizing data, building a diverse workforce, and engaging and educating the public. It emphasizes health equity and addresses social determinants of health that impact brain health.....

NCAL has announced the publication of its annual Assisted Living State Regulatory Review. The report summarizes key selected state requirements for assisted living licensure or certification. It includes information on the following topics for all the states and the District of Columbia: 1) which state agency licenses assisted living, 2) recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting assisted living, and 3) requirements for resident agreements, admission and discharge requirements, units serving people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, staffing, and training.

This annual report summarizes states’ self-reported data related to certain quality measures, including the timeliness of the PASRR evaluations and the outcomes for applicants and residents resulting from the evaluations. The report also provides a brief background of PASRR and outlines states' data tracking capabilities.

As people age, the risk of neurodegenerative disease increases. This new report from the Milken Institute looks at how we can combat both the risk and cost of dementia. It is structured around five key goals. The report provides actionable recommendations around these goals along with updated data and analysis.

These resources are designed for AAPI Older Adults, Caregivers, and Aging Organizations. The fact sheets cover the issues of emotional abuse, neglect, and how caregivers of those with dementia can care for themselves. The fact sheets are available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Samoan, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English.

This data profile uses data from the Caregiver Outcome Evaluation Study of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). It highlights the differences in demographics and the dynamics between short and long term caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Association has published the 2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report. This annual report offers insight into the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation's health care system. The report provides an in-depth look at the latest national statistics on Alzheimer's prevalence, incidence, mortality, and costs. It also examines awareness, attitudes, and utilization of cognitive assessments among older adults.