ENGAGE-IL Identifies Critical Need:
Dementia Education for All
Dementia
Dementia is the progressive loss of cognitive and emotional functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning severe enough to interfere with daily life and resulting in changing behaviors.
In 2013, an estimated 5 million Americans aged 65 and older had Alzheimer Disease.3
By 2050, the prevalence may triple.
With the increase in the aging population, there is a concomitant rise in dementia and a critical need for dementia education for ALL!
FEAR of Alzheimer’s Disease
There is great concern about being diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and/or possibly having to care for someone who develops Alzheimer disease and related dementias.
Most Americans feel uninformed and fearful of the disease.
44% of Americans fear Alzheimer disease more than any other disease, including cancer. 1
About 75% of adults report not being knowledgeable about Alzheimer disease.2
There is a need for education for all adults about Alzheimer disease and related dementias.
ENGAGE-IL developed a Free Mobile App to educate everyone about Alzheimer’s disease dementia
Our App, Dementia Guide Expert, provides information on:
What is dementia?
The types of dementia
Stages of dementia
Identified contribution factors to cognitive decline and risks for dementia
Signs and symptoms of dementia Risks
How dementia is identified/diagnosed
Ways to prevent and manage symptoms
Treatment and management
Non-pharmacologic treatment
Appropriate communication techniques
Links to resources such as the dementia activity tool kits
Links to national resources and support services
References
1. Marist Poll. 11/14: Alzheimer’s Most Feared Disease. 2014; http://maristpoll.marist.edu/1114-alzheimers-most-feared-disease/
2. Anderson LA, Day KL, Beard RL, Reed PS, Wu B. The public’s perceptions about cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease among the U.S. population: a national review. The Gerontologist. Jun 2009;49 Suppl 1:S3-11.
3. Hebert LE, Weuve J, Scherr PA, Evans DA. Alzheimer disease in the United States (2010-2050) estimated using the 2010 census. Neurology. May 7 2013;80(19):1778-1783.
4. Hebert LE, Scherr PA, Beckett LA, et al. Age-specific incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in a community population. Jama. May 3 1995;273(17):1354-1359.