Alzheimer's Is Affecting Thousands of Connecticut Families

CONNECTICUT — Alzheimer's disease is affecting tens of thousands of Connecticut residents and placing an increasing responsibility on family members who provide daily care.

Approximately 77,000 Connecticut residents age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Another 15.7 percent of Connecticut residents age 45 and older report experiencing subjective cognitive decline, which may involve worsening confusion or memory problems.

Subjective cognitive decline does not mean that a person has Alzheimer's disease. Memory problems can have many possible causes and should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and represents approximately 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that affects memory, reasoning, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.

The number of people affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is expected to grow as the population ages. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the number of older adults living with Alzheimer's could nearly double by 2060.

The Impact on Connecticut Families

Approximately 197,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with dementia in Connecticut.

These caregivers provide an estimated 241 million hours of unpaid assistance each year. The estimated value of that care is approximately $6.3 billion.

Caregivers may help with meals, medications, transportation, bathing, dressing, medical appointments and financial responsibilities. As the disease progresses, some patients may require continuous supervision.

The cost of Alzheimer's to Connecticut's Medicaid program is estimated at approximately $1.3 billion. These costs can include medical treatment, home care, residential care and other support services.

Possible Warning Signs

Occasional forgetfulness does not automatically indicate Alzheimer's disease. However, families may want to seek medical guidance when changes begin affecting everyday life.

Possible warning signs include:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Repeating the same questions frequently
• Getting lost in familiar locations
• Difficulty managing money or paying bills
• Missing important appointments repeatedly
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion about time or place
• Changes in judgment, behavior or personality
• Problems finding familiar words
• Misplacing objects and being unable to retrace steps

Early evaluation can help identify whether symptoms are related to Alzheimer's, another form of dementia, medication, depression, sleep problems, vitamin deficiencies or another medical condition.

Support for Caregivers

Connecticut operates the Statewide Respite Care Program for families caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

The program may provide caregiver support, help developing a care plan and services that allow caregivers to take a temporary break from their responsibilities. Eligibility and available assistance depend on an individual assessment and program requirements.

Connecticut also offers the National Family Caregiver Support Program. It assists unpaid caregivers who care for older adults or people living with Alzheimer's and related conditions.

Families can contact the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services or their local Area Agency on Aging to learn about available programs.

Wandering Safety

People living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia may become confused and wander away from a familiar location.

Connecticut's Bring Me Back Home program allows families to provide identifying information to law enforcement in advance.

If a registered person becomes missing or encounters police while confused, officers may be able to identify the person and safely return them home.

Families should not wait for a wandering emergency before creating a safety plan. Caregivers can keep recent photographs, emergency contacts and important medical information readily available.

Where to Find Help

• Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program: portal.ct.gov
• Connecticut Bring Me Back Home Program: portal.ct.gov
• Alzheimer's Association Help Line: 800-272-3900

Anyone concerned about memory loss or changes in thinking should speak with a physician or another qualified healthcare professional.

This article provides general information and does not replace medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.