ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Statistics show in 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease, with the number of people living with the disease doubling every five years beyond age 65, a number projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.
In light of such statistics, the State of Kansas recently took some action to help, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) announcing they will be taking steps to gather professionals, as well as individuals with lived experience, to update the state’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia state plan, according to a release from the State of Kansas.
“In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019, Gov. Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care and Rural,” the State of Kansas release noted. “Then, in 2024, KDHE received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to engage members of the 2018 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and 2019 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force in establishing a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).”
State leaders praised the announcement.
“This coalition is the perfect opportunity to continue our partnerships across the state in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their effects on Kansans and their families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek noted in the State of Kansas release. “The hard work and dedication of the individuals in these groups have provided the foundation that will allow us to continue educating and discussing these important topics as we move forward in supporting the individuals affected by these impactful diagnoses. In addition to expanding the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and Task Force into a state-level Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Coalition and updating the state plan to include related disease and actions from the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative, the program will begin educating the public on brain health and ADRD issues and the broad spectrum of actions needed to fully address ADRD across Kansas.”
“Our goal is to improve access to dementia care and quality of life and build strong communities for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia through strengthened partnerships and policies,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard noted in the State of Kansas release. “By engaging and educating the public and focusing on action plans to promote dementia-friendly resources, we can elevate and address issues in dementia care.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease.
“There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently,” the CDC noted. “However, age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also believe genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people. Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear, and researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. There is also growing evidence of healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, also helping reduce the risk for subjective cognitive decline.”
The CDC added symptoms for Alzheimer’s disease can include memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions, trouble handling money and paying bills, difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure, decreased or poor judgment, misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them, and changes in mood, personality, or behavior.
“Getting checked by your healthcare provider can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Alzheimer’s disease, or a more treatable conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from medication,” the CDC noted, “Early and accurate diagnosis also provides opportunities for you and your family to consider financial planning, develop advance directives, enroll in clinical trials, and anticipate care needs. Medical management can improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and for their caregivers. There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment addresses several areas, including helping people maintain brain health, managing behavioral symptoms, and slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.”
