Dementia Education and Prevention
Prevent dementia and support Alaskans with care and education
Overview
Dementia refers to conditions that cause memory loss and reduce problem-solving and thinking skills, making daily life harder. Alaska has the nation’s fastest-growing population of adults ages 65 and older. About 10% of seniors experience Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. By 2025, the number of Alaskans with Alzheimer’s is expected to reach 11,000.
The Alaska Dementia Education and Prevention Program helps people reduce chances of getting dementia, provides education, and supports the care of Alaskans living with dementia.
About the program
The Dementia Education and Prevention program was created by the Alaska Legislature. It works to improve awareness, prevention, and care for dementia. It partners with the Alaska Dementia Action Collaborative to:
- Teach people you can age with a healthy brain
- Promote healthy changes to lower the risk of dementia
- Improve timely screening and early diagnosis
- Provide resources for patients and their caregivers
Federal grant supports dementia care improvements
The Dementia Education and Prevention Program is also supported by the Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure For Alzheimer's Act (BOLD). The BOLD work plan includes strategies to
- Educate the public, healthcare providers, and other professionals
- Use data to improve understanding of dementia
- Enhance healthcare referrals and connect patients with services
- Ensure long-term support for dementia prevention and treatment programs