Delaware wins grant to expand Alzheimer's disease services

The Delaware Health Department has won a $898,324 federal grant to help expand services for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Delaware was one of 11 states, along with Alzheimer's Associations and universities, to win the award.

Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country. Currently,17,000 Delawareans live with it. The national Alzheimer's Association estimates that by 2050, nearly 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease. About 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 live with early-onset Alzheimer's today.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a public health crisis, and exacts a significant impact on individuals, families and state and federal governments,” said Katie Macklin, Delaware executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, in a statement.

As the aging population in Delaware continues to skyrocket over the years, officials are recognizing the need for increased resources.

Jill Rogers, director of the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, said in a press release that the three-year grant will specifically:

• Broaden the state's legal services program to address the needs of individuals and caregivers.
• Develop a sensor technology program to protect the well-being of Delawareans with Alzeimer's and other related disorders who want to live on their own.
• Develop a training and consultation program for caregivers.
• Expand the availability of respite vouchers to provide relief for caregivers.
• Expand community services for people with Alzheimer's.

To find aging and disability resources in Delaware, contact (800) 223-9074 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or go to www.delawareADRC.com. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and services in Delaware, go to: www.alz.org/delval.

Jen Rini can be reached at (302) 324-2386 or jrini@delawareonline.com. Follow @JenRini on Twitter.