The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities has won a three-year federal grant to expand services to people with Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 17,000 people in Delaware age 65 and older are currently living with the disease.
Most people survive an average of eight years after being diagnosed but some individuals can live with Alzheimer’s for as many as 20 years, placing increasing demands on caregivers.
Katie Macklin, Delaware executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter says the money will help support its mission, including resources for caregivers.
“It could be 3 o’clock in the morning and maybe a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease has been up all night long and the caregiver is just at their breaking point,” she says. “They’re at their wits end and they just need somebody to talk to and they can call our help line.”
That number is 800-272-3900.
Delaware was one of 11 states, Alzheimer’s Associations, universities, and other organizations awarded grants.
Between 2015 and 2025, the number of Delawareans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow by over 35 percent to 23,000 people.
“We know that it's vitally important given our rapidly growing aging population, coupled with an influx of retirees especially into the southern part of our state that Delaware must be prepared for this tsunami, “adds Macklin.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Among the top ten, it’s the only cause that can’t be cured, slowed or prevented.
