Caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia

With the state’s rapidly growing aging population, the number of people with Alzheimer’s and age-related dementia is also on the rise. In North Carolina, over 160,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to increase to more than 210,000 by 2025. So how can North Carolina become more dementia friendly?

On AARP’s “Without Limits,” you’ll hear from Adam Zolotor, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM). Dr. Zolotor will talk about the state’s first-of-its-kind plan to better prepare to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and those who support their care.

The plan was developed through a mandate by the General Assembly and was the work of a partnership among the NCIOM, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division on Aging and Adult Services, AARP North Carolina, Alzheimer’s NC, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Duke Endowment, the Winston-Salem Foundation, and LeadingAge NC.

Without Limits co-host Michael Olender said, AARP is asking the General Assembly to get started on the plan's recommendation to better support caregivers by passing UAGPPJA, an Act that will make caring across state lines easier and one that only a handful of states has yet to pass.

Listen live to "Without Limits," each Saturday evening at 6:00pm  on WBT Radio or on www.wbt.com. Programs are also archived on the "Without Limits" website.

Providing care to a loved one and need support right away? AARP’s Family Caregiving Guide has comprehensive listings of the local, state and national programs that can help.