A diagnosis of Alzheimer's can be devastating, but one group is making big strides in supporting patients, their caregivers and the medical community at large. Headquartered in Nashville, the Alzheimer's Association, Mid South Chapter provides education and support to individuals in 116 counties within Tennessee and Alabama.
From Advocacy to Education
Tiffany Cloud-Mann
Tiffany Cloud-Mann, vice president of programs for the Mid South Chapter, said the group provides a variety of services for anyone touched by Alzheimer's. "Our program centers around educational resources and support," she noted.
In addition to hosting fundraising events, educational seminars and support groups, the chapter works with volunteers to lobby for Alzheimer's funding. "We get a lot of direction from the national office in our work with both state and federal policy," said Cloud-Mann. Their annual "Day on the Hill" allows ambassadors to meet with Tennessee legislators to advocate for the region's growing Alzheimer's population.
Touching Lives
Alzheimer's is a disease leaving few families untouched, due in large part to the aging baby boomer population. However, that increased prevalence also has been key in breaking through the stigma previously tied to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
"Someone we know will be affected by the disease, and people are more willing to talk about it than ever before," Cloud-Mann said. "People are also understanding more about Alzheimer's and dementia, and they're getting more facts on it as co-workers, friends and neighbors are touched by the disease. It's created more awareness."
As figures increase, so does the need for caregiver support. "A lot of patients don't fall into the financial bracket of receiving help, and those caregivers need ongoing respite," she said. "We're not sure what legislation will come up with, but we need more care and support on a state level."
Help for Providers
The Nashville chapter also is working with local physicians to increase referrals. "Some doctors will tell patients to call the Alzheimer's Association, while others don't really know what we do or think they need us," Cloud-Mann said.
By partnering with physicians, the Alzheimer's Association staff hopes to increase follow-up and provide more support and resources to patients and their families. Their ALZ.org/professionals link provides different tools for assessing, caregiving and diagnosing, while their Alzheimer's Disease Pocketcard app, available at Clinicianapp.alz.org, provides access to clinical studies, pharmacology, assessment algorithms and more.
Alzheimer's Facts & Figures According to the 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, an estimated 5.5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's dementia with 110,000 living in Tennessee. Within the national population, 5.3 million with Alzheimer's are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Other facts and figures from the most recent report, include:
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