CONNECTICUT – The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) and the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, are joining forces this month to educate about early detection and diagnosis and to connect families to dementia resources. There are an estimated 80,000 people in Connecticut living with Alzheimer’s and twice as many caregivers, most of whom are unpaid family members.
This month, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) entitled “Know Where Alzheimer’s Hides” feature examples of people experiencing memory loss, link to alz.org/10signs, and warning signs that could indicate brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The PSAs are running on buses, tv and radio stations, in newspapers and on your phones across Connecticut. The Alzheimer’s Association website offers information on treatments, the latest research, and support services for caregivers.
ADS provides a wide range of services and supports to people with disabilities and older adults focusing on employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding designated by the State fuels this joint project to educate families in our state.
“Now more than ever, it is important for people to become familiar with the signs of this disease,” said Laura Hoffman, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter. “Right now, there are two treatments approved by the FDA and available to those in the early stages, that may offer a slowing of cognitive decline and a longer time living independently. People need to know when to bring their memory concerns to a doctor.”
“We look forward to sparking these conversations with residents across our state and putting a spotlight on the resources we have to help,” said Amy Porter, ADS Commissioner. “ Visit our Connecticut's Road Map for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias for more information.”
In Connecticut, help and support for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, at any stage of the disease or in any financial circumstance, starts with two calls:
• Area Agency on Aging (AAA), 1-800-994-9422 or agingct.org
• Alzheimer’s Association, 1-800-272-3900 or alz.org/ct.
There are an estimated 7.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association, many of them undiagnosed. This campaign hopes to spread awareness and educate so that people know where to turn if this disease hits their family. Caregivers and people with dementia need to know they are not alone in this journey.
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Media Contacts:
Department of Aging and Disability Services
Kathleen Sullivan, Communications Director
Kathleen.sullivan@ct.gov
Alzheimer’s Association
Kristen Cusato, Communications Director, Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter
kmcusato@alz.org
