Alzheimer’s Association highlights urgent need for support in Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. — In today’s health watch, the Alzheimer’s Association just released its 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.

In Tennessee, there are more than 129-thousand individuals living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and 369-thousand family and friends who are serving as their caregivers.

Findings also show that the healthcare system is not effectively helping patients and their families navigate dementia care.

“Our caregivers are telling us, um, and the vast majority of them, that is, that they really want and need help with things like, you know, coordinating doctor’s appointments, finding local respite, or even just having somebody to talk to to understand the disease and what comes next,” said Sr. Director of Quality Care and Psychological Research for The Alzheimer’s Association, Dr. Fazio.

Dr. Fazio noted that Alzheimer’s is costing America about 360 billion dollars.

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