AARP, State Put Focus on Dementia Caregiving

A collaboration among AARP Alaska and several community partners is giving new insights on how to recognize dementia and care for those who have it.

At AARP’s urging, the state secured funding from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program aimed at increasing the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and lowering the risk of hospitalization from it. The program also focuses on ways to support caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s.

In 2024, the program held a dementia training for 30 doctors, nurses and other medical providers at the Alaska VA Healthcare System’s Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus in Anchorage. It included presentations by experts and individuals who care for people with dementia.

A separate training was conducted for caregivers. To facilitate the caregivers’ attendance at the session, staff from Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska provided music and crafts to entertain their loved ones with dementia.

In 2025, trainings will be in Fairbanks on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for caregivers, and Thursday, Oct. 2, for providers. To attend, contact AARP Alaska State Director Teresa Holt, at tholt@aarp.org.