The forum occurred nearly a month after Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation into law to establish the first-ever Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Division in Commonwealth history.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) today hosted its 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) Virtual Forum to provide education and assess progress on issues related to ADRD, as well as strengthen partnerships and community support, and share perspectives from Pennsylvanians and their loved ones who are living with ADRD.
This year’s ADRD forum, which attracted 488 attendees, highlighted brain health and taking care of our brain as we age. The virtual forum – held annually each November to highlight National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – opened with welcoming remarks from Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
“While research on brain health continues to evolve, there is evidence that lifestyle changes, including social engagement, physical activity, and taking care of your heart can reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline. It’s important for all of us to make small changes and take everyday steps to make a big difference in our brain,” said Secretary Kavulich. “We are on the frontlines with our partners and stakeholders advocating, educating, and caring for Pennsylvanians living with ADRD along with their caregivers and families. We are proud of the work that we all have accomplished so far, and we are looking forward to building on that work in the months to come.”
Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation into law that creates the first ADRD Division in the Commonwealth’s history to support older adults living with the disease and their caregivers. PDA will provide oversight for the Division. The law also establishes an ADRD Advisory Committee to convene statewide stakeholders on ADRD State Plan implementation, advocate for policy, secure federal funding, and leverage additional resources to better respond to the unique and complex needs for those living with ADRD and the systems that support them.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report on Pennsylvania:
- There are currently more than 282,000 people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s in Pennsylvania and this number is expected to increase to 320,000 by 2025.
- There are 465,000 caregivers providing 822 million hours of unpaid care and the value of that unpaid care is more than $13.6 billion.
- There were 4,109 deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021.
This year’s ADRD virtual forum keynote speaker was Kyra O’Brien, MD, MSHP, physician and assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. O’Brien spoke on the pillars of healthy brain aging and stated that in her memory clinic, many patients and their families believe that dementia is inherited or genetic.
“In reality, between 40 to 50 percent of dementia risk is not inherited. Instead, this risk comes from modifiable factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss,” said Dr. O’Brien. “It's important for older adults to know that there is so much they can do to support their brains. Brain health is an important but often overlooked aspect of our overall health and wellbeing. Taking care of your brain helps your physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Throughout our entire lives, there are things we can do to promote healthy brain aging, like exercising and socializing. These same activities can also slow progression of symptoms in older adults experiencing memory problems.”
The virtual forum also included a presentation on the brain health benefits of socialization and relationships, an update on Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania, and a panel discussion on Memory Cafés – places with a welcoming atmosphere in an accessible location where all people changed by dementia can meet and feel comfortable.
“Our Memory Café is where people living with dementia and their care partners who have similar life situations can meet, create, and become a community. Ours is a noisy Memory Café, and at times we sound like the TV series Cheers as we welcome each other,” said Paula Baillie, Memory Café Program Director, The Gathering Place. “The people who come to Memory Café can participate in art, conversation, music, and exercise. They are not alone. There are others with whom they have shared experiences. We serve older adults, and older adults have invested their time and energy in what we do. Our volunteers are essential to the running of the facility, including the Memory Café.”
Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania recently released a guide to provide information and assistance to help interested individuals start a Memory Café in their community. The creation and growth of innovative respite programs, such as Memory Cafés, is among the key initiatives and tactics in Aging Our Way, PA – the strategic 10-year plan designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s older adults and improve services for this rapidly growing population. Other ADRD-related initiatives and tactics include promoting and supporting the development of dementia friendly communities and increasing awareness around early detection and diagnosis of ADRD.