Northborough Recognized For Dementia Friendly Initiatives

NORTHBOROUGH, MA — Northborough was recognized by dementia advocates from across the state for its efforts to make the town welcoming to those who suffer from the disease and their care givers.

The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts
(DFM) initiative presented the town with a recognition plaque and certificate. To earn the recognition certificate, the community of Northborough, has taken specific steps, including signing a formal pledge, to make the town of Northborough more welcoming and supportive of people living with dementia and their care partners.

Northborough joins 21 other communities across Massachusetts who have pledged to work to raise public awareness, reduce stigma and educate citizens to improve the lives of those living with dementia across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An additional 130 communities are engaged in the Massachusetts Dementia- Friendly initiative and are finalizing their formal commitments.

With the support of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, Dementia Friendly Massachusetts is a project of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging. The goal of Dementia Friendly Massachusetts is to increase the number of municipalities around the Commonwealth that commit to supporting those living with dementia, their families, and care partners, by signing the DFM pledge.

An estimated 120,000 people in Massachusetts live with Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia, and the number is expected to rise to 150,000 by the year 2025.