Alzheimer’s Disease represents a growing health crisis in Florida. To help patients and their families cope with the effects of this condition, the Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980. Their awareness campaign and initiatives got an additional boost in 2011 when Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) designated September as World Alzheimer’s Month and September 21st as World Alzheimer’s Day.

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Without an effective treatment or cure, Alzheimer’s will continue to claim victims. That is why awareness events such as these are essential to provide support, hope, and encouragement to the overall community.

Florida Statistics

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are the numbers associated with the state of Florida.

  • There are 580,000 people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s
  • 13.6% of those over the age of 45 exhibit a subjective cognitive decline
  • There are 527,000 family caregivers in the state, representing 685 million hours – or 10.6 billion dollars- of unpaid care
  • Alzheimer’s costs the state Medicaid program nearly $3 billion annually
  • These statistics prove that a different approach may be needed to reduce the burden of caregivers and enhance the quality of life for the patients.

Initiatives in Florida

  • The Florida Department of Health works with community health care providers, provider associations, and academic researchers to offer symposiums promoting early detection and diagnosis. They also have classes for caregivers.
  • Alzheimer’s-specific objectives have been included in the State Health Improvement Plan. These objectives work to reduce cognitive decline, encourage early detection procedures, minimize health disparities, and lessen the exploitation of individuals living with dementia.
  • State and local public health organizations around America have taken action against Alzheimer’s by implementing the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: 2018-2023.

World Alzheimer’s Day – ADI Initiatives

The ADI’s 2021 awareness campaign will focus on the early warning indicators of dementia. The program asks individuals and their families to educate themselves and reach out for advice and support. ADI suggests contacting the Alzheimer’s or dementia association in their region. (Click here to reach the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.)

ADI contends that a genuine global effort is required to raise the awareness needed to fight the misinformation that still surrounds dementia. Friends and family of Alzheimer’s patients are encouraged to get involved. This year’s theme is “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s.”

Get Involved!

There are a variety of ways to get involved in World Alzheimer’s Month. Reach out to your local association to learn about regional events and activities on the calendar. Some examples of activities are walkathons and bike races.

Social media is also an effective avenue to share Alzheimer’s awareness, as you can post the personal stories, photos, and emotions that only those closely affected by Alzheimer’s disease can understand. Each individual has their own sphere of influence – so even a little effort can have a significant effect as the message spreads.

ADI requests that everyone from individual families to large companies to join their efforts to spread the messaging and spirit of World Alzheimer’s Month. If sharing on social media, be sure to include the hashtags #KnowDementia and #KnowAlzheimers.

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