Alzheimer’s Awareness in Vancouver, WA

Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month was established by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014 as a way to encourage conversations and awareness around dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a term that describes a group of symptoms that lead to a decline in cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet. Luckily, organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association fund research for a cure. Also, there are treatments available to help reduce decline and slow symptoms.

What Are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

While Alzheimer’s typically progresses through three stages, each person progresses through the disease at a different rate. Here are the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Early-Stage: Alzheimer’s symptoms are mild at this stage, and it may still be possible to function independently. Symptoms like memory loss start appearing in this stage, but it may only be noticeable to the person affected and those close to them. It can be difficult to remember names, retain information, and find lost belongings at this stage.
• Middle-Stage: The moderate stage is the longest stage of Alzheimer’s. At this point, damage to the nerve cells in the brain may cause more severe memory lapses, changes in mood and sleep patterns, and an increased reliance on in-home personal care.
• Late-Stage: This stage is considered severe as memory and cognitive skills worsen. Patients may be unable to initiate engagement at this stage, but can still benefit from interaction with others.

How Can I Support People With Alzheimer’s?

Our friends over at Retirement Connection are supporting the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM)! Retirement Connection is a hub of resources covering over 150 topics for boomers, seniors, and Caregivers. If you’re looking for information around a care topic such as older adult health, community services, or housing, it’s available on their website. You’ll also find a directory of networking meetings for senior and retirement professionals.

Retirement Connection recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to petition Congress to allow Medicaid to cover genetic marker tests for dementia. These blood tests developed by researchers can now detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms are even noticeable, and an early diagnosis allows for more time to make a treatment plan. This is why Retirement Connection is asking Congress to cover Alzheimer’s blood tests through the ASAP Act.

Retirement Connection is also advocating to expand access to virtual dementia education through the AADAPT Act, give Caregivers the credit they deserve through the Credit for Caring Act, and fund research to find a cure for dementia. Are you interested in supporting AIM? Click here to send an email to your representatives.

Here are a few other places where you can show your support for people living with Alzheimer’s:

• The Alzheimer’s Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter is a hub of care and support resources, like educational programs and support groups for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Their Walk to End Alzheimer’s event is available in seven locations throughout the year, with the next one coming up in September 2026.
• Pacific NW Relational Therapy has a Dementia/Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group! They meet for an hour each week to discuss what the role of a dementia Caregiver entails and how to navigate challenges associated with the role.

Where Can I Find Dementia Care Support?

At Griswold Home Care for Vancouver, we provide personal care, companion care, and homemaking services. We can support you and your loved ones through 24-hour home care, overnight senior care, or lend a hand to family Caregivers through respite care. Give us a call to learn more!