Resources for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness in Baton Rouge

An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2026. Seventy-four percent are age 75 or older.

In Louisiana, more than 94,700 people are living with Alzheimer’s, and an estimated 221,000 family members and friends serve as unpaid Caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter. From Gonzales and Prairieville to Zachary, Rosedale, and the rural communities surrounding Baton Rouge, Griswold is here to support families facing these challenges

At Griswold Home Care for Baton Rouge, our mission is to help seniors age in place and enjoy the best possible quality of life in the comfort of their own homes. We offer non-medical care services, including help with daily activities, personal care, and companionship. Our Caregivers are experienced in dementia care and understand the unique challenges Alzheimer’s brings.

During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re sharing quick facts, differences, and Baton Rouge resources to help you and your loved ones.

Fast Facts About Alzheimer’s

Here are some key facts to help you better understand Alzheimer’s and its impact:

• More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today.
• By 2050, that number may rise to nearly 13 million.
• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
• Alzheimer’s can also affect people under 65; about 200,000 Americans have younger-onset dementia.
• 75% of Americans believe lifestyle choices matter for brain health, but less than half strongly connect those choices with reducing dementia risk.

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” interchangeably, but they are not the same. Dementia is a broad term for a group of brain disorders that cause problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of cases.

While all dementias involve a decline in mental abilities that interferes with daily life, Alzheimer’s has distinct features. Dementia is diagnosed when changes in thinking and memory:

• Occur after a period of normal brain function
• Are severe enough to disrupt daily activities and routines
• Affect more than one core mental skill, such as: Short-term memory, language, visuospatial function (understanding visual information), and executive function (planning and problem-solving)

Understanding the difference can help families recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care.

Local Resources

You’re not alone on this journey. Baton Rouge has several organizations and programs ready to assist families affected by Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter: Offers education, resources, and support groups.

Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area: a nonprofit serving families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia across Greater Baton Rouge, including Ascension, Assumption, Baton Rouge, Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, and St. Helena parishes. They offer education, support, and a range of helpful programs. Check their events calendar for updates.

Programs and services include:

How Griswold Can Support You

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or early signs of cognitive decline, Griswold Home Care for Baton Rouge is here to help. Our Caregivers are trained to provide compassionate, personalized support that goes beyond routine care. Here’s how we can make a difference:

• Gentle reminders and encouragement for medications, healthy meals, hydration, and mental exercises
• Transportation to memory screenings, support groups, or local awareness events
• Emotional support for those facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, or cognitive changes
• Help with daily personal care, homemaking tasks, and companionship

With Griswold’s support, families can find peace of mind and help their loved ones maintain independence at home.

Contact Us

This month, put your brain health first and take the right steps to live the best life. If you need support doing that, don’t hesitate to contact Griswold. Whether you live in or around Gonzales, Prairieville, or Zachary, Griswold is here to help. Click the button below to contact us!