According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 11 percent of Minnesotans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. By 2050, that figure is projected to nearly double.
The impact extends beyond those diagnosed. An estimated 168,000 Minnesotans provide care for people living with dementia, often without pay, formal training or adequate respite. More than half of these caregivers are navigating at least one chronic condition themselves.
With June being Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it is an important time to consider what can be done to better meet the needs of Minnesotans living with dementia and their caregivers. As the number of people affected continues to grow, recognizing early signs and symptoms becomes increasingly important.
Recognizing Dementia Symptoms
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Memory loss is what many people first think of with dementia, and for good reason, as it is one of the most common early signs. Forgetting something does not automatically mean someone has dementia. However, memory loss that disrupts daily life could be an early sign, such as difficulty recalling important dates or events or recently learned information.
Difficulty solving problems or completing familiar tasks, like remembering the rules of a favorite game, can also be early signs. In addition, poor judgment and changes in mood, behavior or personality may signal cognitive decline. Getting a diagnosis from a healthcare professional early can be powerful for several reasons:
- It may not be dementia. Some causes of cognitive symptoms are treatable or reversible such as dehydration, thyroid disorders, medication side effects or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
- If it is dementia, there may be treatment options that can lessen symptoms or slow progression.
- It allows for time to understand the disease, what to expect and to plan for the future.
- Gaining access to resources early can make it easier to navigate the disease and improve quality of life.
Accessing Support
Early diagnosis is impactful, but early support can be just as important. Often, people living with dementia and their caregivers wait until dementia has progressed to a crisis point before reaching out for support. However, there are many resources available to support the journey of dementia and caregiving, though the challenge is knowing how to find and access them. The Care Ecosystem Dementia Navigation Program at Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging is working to help address that barrier.
The Care Ecosystem program is designed to help people living with dementia and their caregivers navigate supportive resources in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area. The team provides personalized support and connections to educational resources, caregiver support groups, respite and in-home care services, meal assistance, transportation, behavior and safety strategies, advance care planning and more.
For many families, having a local, knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. Rather than navigating dementia alone, participants in the Care Ecosystem program have access to ongoing, free support for up to one year. This helps reduce stress, address challenges as they arise and brings connections to the right resources at the right time.
As one participant recently shared, “It’s like I won the lottery – I can finally take a breath.”
Additional Resources
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, early recognition and support can make a meaningful difference for both individuals and their caregivers. No one needs to wait until a crisis to seek support. For those looking for information, guidance and connections to local services, the following community resources can help:
- Care Ecosystem Dementia Navigation Program – personalized support and resource connections for people living with dementia and their caregivers in the Twin Cities metro area.
- Dementia Friends Minnesota – an educational and awareness program that helps people better understand dementia and how to support those living with it.
- Minnesota Aging Pathways – (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. Minnesota Aging Pathways connects older Minnesotans and their caregivers with the services and support they need.
- Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter – provides education, support groups, and a 24/7 helpline for individuals and families affected by dementia.