Alzheimer’s Association Launches April Public Awareness Campaign

The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter—armed with support from Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)—has developed a public awareness campaign focused on early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Launched on April 1, the effort consists of a four-week public awareness campaign aimed at reaching Delawareans through various social media and advertising activations, coupled with real stories from those across the state who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the nation’s largest public health crises. According to the Alzheimer’s Association2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, 19,000 Delawareans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, more than 47,000 family members and friends serve as unpaid caregivers, providing68,000,000 hours of unpaid care, for those with the disease.

“Only half of those people living with dementia have actually been diagnosed, and most people who have been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia are not aware of it due to their cognitive decline,” explained Katie Macklin, Senior Director Advocacy, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter. “Early detection allows for the best opportunity to receive optimal medical care which can result in better health outcomes, and it affords more time for planning for future needs, accessing support services, and discussing medical desires and wishes with loved ones.”

The public awareness campaign has been informed by the real-life experiences of Delawareans impacted by dementia as gathered through Alzheimer’s Association-hosted Community Forums held throughout the state. The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley chapter team has also closely consulted and collaborated with community partners and healthcare providers such as Beebe Healthcare, ChristianaCare, Delaware Division of Public Health, Delaware State University, Easterseals, Latin American Community Center, PACE Your LIFE, Seaford Community of Hope Program and Sussex County Health Coalition, in addition to a host of key allies who provided critical input into planning and implementation.

“Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias continue to be a vital area for enhanced public health awareness due to underlying issues related to health literacy, access to care, difficulties in detection and diagnosis and stigma, among other factors,” shared Geralyn Aellis, Planner IV at Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. “The growing number of aging Delawareans and the fact that age is a primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s were two driving factors in supporting this particular campaign.”

“From a family perspective, early detection and proper diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is absolutely crucial,” said Anjanette Kichline, former family caregiver to her father who lived with Alzheimer's disease, and board member for the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter. “Not only does early detection and diagnosis open up the potential for treatment options, it also allows families to plan for care, and make important financial decisions. Most importantly, early detection allows families to make the most of their precious time together with their loved one.”
The overarching goal of this campaign is to improve awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its warning signs, to reinforce messages of the importance of early detection and diagnosis, and to drive Delawareans to available support services.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers an array of activities—from its signature educational programs and community events to care and support services such as the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900)—that are designed to help individuals and families gain the knowledge needed to seek diagnosis, access support services and plan for the future. April education programs include topics such as 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia and Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.