NCDHHS’ Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) was recently awarded a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help promote a public health approach to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for North Carolinians (BOLD NC), was one of 16 applications to be awarded in this nationwide competitive grants program.
DAAS will receive $200,000 per year for three years, which will assist the divisions of Aging and Adult Services and Public Health in increasing the focus on brain health and cognitive decline risk factors, as well as help to meet the needs of people with dementia and their care partners. Program activities will align with the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map and the Road Map for Indian Country.
North Carolina’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) released the Dementia-Capable North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in 2016. The Coalition for a Dementia-Capable NC was formed to shepherd the plan’s 33 recommendations and maintain a focus on ADRD across DHHS divisions and partners. This coalition continues to meet quarterly.
North Carolina also has a growing focus on establishing dementia-friendly communities and hospitals, and encourages inclusion and support for people diagnosed with ADRD. To find out how to start or join an effort in your community, contact NC DAAS at 919-855-3400.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is now the fourth leading cause of death in NC for people age 65 and older and the sixth leading cause of death in the state. It is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are the costliest chronic medical conditions in America, affecting nearly 6 million people today and estimated to increase to 14 million by 2060.
For more information about this BOLD program, see the CDC’s full announcement.