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Alaska is one of five states with the highest projected increase in percentage of people with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD). By 2030 the number of elders with ADRD will almost double, to 23,900. (State of Alaska, Alaska Commission on Aging, 2019) In 2019, Alzheimer's Disease was the sixth leading cause of death in Alaska.
ARA was founded in 1984 by two sisters in Anchorage who were caring for their mother with dementia. Since then, the organization has grown its capacity and infrastructure to serve Alaskans statewide. We have staffed offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Copper Center, and Mat-Su. ARA strives to support Alaskans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia and other disabilities to ensure quality of life.
To meet the needs of Alaskans, their family members, caregivers and medical and front-line service providers, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska (ARA) is expanding its education and outreach efforts. Our vision is for our elders to live safely in their home, with proper support, for as long as possible.
To help accomplish this, we must inform Alaskans about ADRD risk factors, the importance of early screening and diagnosis, and provide support for those impacted by this complex disease. Additionally, educating and supporting family caregivers and service providers helps them to better know how to improve quality of life and care for those experiencing ADRD. Part of this goal will be accomplished by partnering with local senior and community centers to deliver evidence-based programs and connections to available ADRD resources in Alaska.
This specific grant request will provide educational programing at Anchorage Senior Activity Center (ASAC). Funds will help pay for outreach/education specialist(s) and program materials from ARA to deliver programs with specific topics, outreach, memory screenings, Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT), referrals and connections to resources. Club members will be involved by volunteering at registration for program presentations, participating in presentations, screenings, and VDT. Annual presentations by ARA on ADRD and resources available will be offered to all Anchorage Rotary clubs.
Programs will be presented weekly for eight-weeks in September/October 2024.Rotary will be recognized in all collateral materials and in social media and press releases.
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