Today, over seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease primarily impacts individuals aged 65 and older and can significantly impact issues with memory and other cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.
In Rhode Island, more than 22,000 individuals aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, representing approximately 11% of the state’s older adult population. The disease places a significant burden on families and caregivers, with over 36,000 unpaid caregivers providing more than 52 million hours of care each year. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death in the state and is associated with high healthcare utilization, including emergency department visits, hospital readmissions, and hospice care, highlighting its profound impact on individuals, caregivers, and the healthcare system overall.
For these reasons, it is critical to raise awareness, support individuals living with the disease and those who serve as their caregivers, and promote brain health as a way to reduce the risk of dementia. While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, fostering understanding and offering support can make a meaningful difference for those affected and the broader community.
The Alzheimer’s Association has launched ALZPro, a dedicated website for healthcare professionals designed to make it easier for clinicians and researchers to access relevant Alzheimer’s and brain health resources.
Sources: www.who.int, www.alz.org
Local resources for caregivers
Unite Us Rhode Island –Unite Us consists of a coordinated care network of healthcare, government, nonprofit, and other organizations who they partner with to identify and deliver services that address the needs of those within the community. For more information, visit uniteus.com/networks/rhode-island/.
Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island – Advocates for and provides resources to caregivers who are providing long-term in-home care for family and friends, including children and youth with special needs, adults with disabilities, and the elderly. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwayri.org/get-help/fcari/.
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging – Empowering older Rhode Islanders (age 55+) and adults living with disabilities to age strong by connecting them to information and resources in the community such as caregiver support/respite, health insurance assistance, food and nutrition assistance, public benefits, housing and transportation support, and more. For more information, visit oha.ri.gov.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) – Offers comprehensive independent living assessment services as requested by private individuals, vendors, Medicaid, and state agencies. Comprehensive assessments provide recommendations for specialized equipment, home modifications, and/or independent living services that are required for individuals to achieve goals for independence in the home and community. For more information, visit oscil.org.
BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management Program – The BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management program is staffed by experienced mental health and substance use professionals who can provide education and support, assist with coordination of care, and help to close gaps related to social determinants of health. Behavioral Health Case Managers are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To refer a patient to the program, please call 1-800-274-2958 or email triage_group@bcbsri.org.
For more information, please contact Isabella Faggiano at Isabella.faggiano@bcbsri.org.