Delaware Awarded Federal Grant To Expand Alzheimer's Disease Services

The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities has won a $898,324 federal grant to help expand services to people with Alzheimer's disease.

Around 17,000 people in Delaware age 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the country.

Most people survive an average of eight years after being diagnosed but some individuals can live with Alzheimer's for as many as 20 years, placing increasing demands on caregivers.

Katie Macklin, Delaware executive director of the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter said that the money will be used to help support its mission, including resources for caregivers.

Delaware was one of 11 states, Alzheimer's Associations, universities, and other organizations to win the grant.

Alzheimer's is the only disease that cannot be cured, slowed or prevented. Between 2015 and 2025, the number of Delawareans age 65 and older with Alzheimer's is expected to grow by over 35 percent to 23,000 people.

"We know that it's vitally important given our rapidly growing aging population, coupled with an influx of retirees especially into the southern part of our state that Delaware must be prepared for this tsunami," adds Macklin.

The three-year grant will be used to broaden the state's legal services program to address the needs of individuals and caregivers, develop a training and consultation program for caregivers and expand community services for people with Alzheimer's.

Source: Medindia