Sutter County, CA
Home MenuLearn About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that progressively impairs memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to perform even the simplest tasks. In most cases, symptoms begin to appear later in life. While estimates vary, experts believe that over 6 million Americans, primarily those aged 65 and older, are affected by Alzheimer's.
Dementia refers to the decline in cognitive functions—such as thinking, memory, and reasoning—as well as behavioral abilities, to the point where it disrupts a person’s daily life and activities. The severity of dementia can range from mild, when it starts to affect a person's functioning, to severe, when individuals require full assistance with basic daily tasks.
Currently, Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most prevalent cause of dementia in older adults.
The Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Our Vision: A world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®
Our Mission: The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Care and Support
We work on a national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Research
As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Association is committed to advancing vital research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
Advocacy
The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer's disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research and care initiatives at the state and federal level.
Visit Alzheimer's Association |
BrightFocus Foundation
BrightFocus Foundation is at the forefront of brain and eye health, advancing early-stage, investigator-initiated research around the world. Our programs are designed to provide initial funding for highly innovative experimental research and curative ideas for Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
California Department of Health Care Services Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is committed to improving detection, care, caregiver support, and data analysis for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have Medicare and/or Medi-Cal coverage.
The Department's efforts are part of the Governor's Master Plan for Aging and the recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Preparedness.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new voluntary nationwide model – the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model that aims to support people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. Please visit the CMS webpage for more information on the GUIDE model.
California Department of Aging (CDA)
Under the umbrella of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.
The Department contracts with the network of 33 Area Agencies on Aging, who directly manage a wide array of federal and state-funded services that provide meals, help finding employment; supportive services to assist older individuals as well as younger adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible; promote healthy aging and community involvement; and support family members in their vital care giving role.
CDA also contracts with 38 agencies that operate the Multipurpose Senior Services Program through the Medi-Cal home and community-based waiver for the elderly and certifies approximately 242 Adult Day Health Care Centers for participation in the Medi-Cal Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) Program.
To promote the Department’s goal of every Californian having the opportunity to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life in strong healthy communities, CDA actively collaborates with many other State departments (and other entities) on transportation, housing and accessibility, emergency preparedness and response, wellness and nutrition, falls and injury prevention, improving services to persons with dementia, reducing fraud and abuse and many other issues.
CDA Aging Resources
Online Aging Resource Guide. Discover the variety of programs and services designed to support older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Learn how to start meaningful conversations and ways to connect with California’s aging resources.