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Dementia Awareness

Building Blocks for Addressing the Dementia Crisis: Collaborative Solutions and Initiatives

The rising incidence of dementia and its toll on families is one piece of a significant domino effect on public health. As a caregiver for both my parents affected by dementia, I can say firsthand that there are no words to describe the emotional and physical price of this journey. I want to explore the broader crisis we face: the cost to our communities, public health, health systems, and the stakeholders who are all invested in this space.

First, let's face the reality: the looming aging tsunami, as it has been referred to for decades, is here. It is no longer a futuristic term. With this in mind, planning is accelerating into action at the federal, state, and local levels.

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Unsilencing the Dementia Crisis: Bold Initiatives for Communities of Color

The alarming statistics surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia in communities of color cannot be ignored. Black Americans are twice as likely as older Whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia, and Latinos are 1.5 times as likely, according to the Alzheimer's Association. While higher rates of cardiovascular disease may play a role, some studies suggest that these differences disappear after accounting for overall health and socioeconomic status. Regardless of the cause, the prevalence of dementia in Black and Brown communities is a public health crisis that demands immediate attention.

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Laurie Scherrer

Dementia Challenges & Strategies in the Local Community

You're in for a treat!  AGE-u-cate is honored to welcome a guest blogger, Laurie Scherrer.  Laurie is Programs Director of Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) and is an active member of DAA's Executive Board. 

Through her extensive work in supporting initiatives of DAA and her experience living with dementia, Laurie is a strong advocate for quality of life.  She was diagnosed with young onset dementia in August of 2013 at the age of 55. Unable to continue a professional career she turned her focus towards helping others through their dementia journey, Laurie and her husband, Roy, work continuously to identify triggers that cause her confusion and they make adjustments to overcome obstacles. Laurie is a Dementia Mentor and is active in many support groups. On her website, dementiadaze.com, Laurie shares her feelings, challenges, symptoms, and adjustments in hopes of encouraging other individuals and families living with dementia to explore ways to live beyond dementia.  

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