DPH Recognizes World Alzheimer’s Day by Focusing on Risk Reduction and Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 19, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to learn more about risk-reduction methods and show support for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  

World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 each year and is part of World Alzheimer’s Month. 

“Equally as important for Alzheimer’s risk-reduction is making sure those living with Alzheimer’s Disease are receiving proper care and support,” said Jessica Plair, DPH’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program Coordinator. “Our families, friends and neighbors are living with Alzheimer’s every day. Part of caring for them is removing stigmas and finding the best ways to promote healthy aging.”

In 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that the number of people in South Carolina aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s Disease is 112,500. There were 219,000 care partners and the value of unpaid caregiving is estimated at more than $5.5 billion per year. 

DPH is sharing resources for individuals, families and care partners who want to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, including: 

• The  Take Brain Health to Heart campaign, which provides suggestions, ideas and other resources to keep your brain and heart healthy and active to reduce your risk of ADRD; 
• The DPH page on brain conditions, which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; and 
• The  Alzheimer’s Association webpage for information on early diagnosis and detection.   

DPH’s Bureau of Healthcare Quality has a key role in the care of many South Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s through its oversight of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.  

Additionally, DPH’s Division of Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention (DISAP) received funds through a five-year Center for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement as part of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Through the BOLD grant, DPH will work with the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) Advisory Council to implement statewide risk-reduction and early detection strategies. 

South Carolina residents are encouraged to learn more and download a copy of South Carolina’s ADRD Statewide Plan. 

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