Work Continues on State Alzheimer's Plan as Senior Population Grows

The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Task Force announced by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine last year is slated to organize a state Alzheimer's plan by next summer, reports Cleveland.com . The strategy will highlight the need for early detection and diagnosis, while outlining resources for caregivers and discussing issues of care and safety. The plan intends to drum up and concentrate support from the public, private interests, and nonprofits. The Alzheimer's Association 2020 Facts and Figures Report calculated that 220,000 Ohioans 65 and older are currently suffering from Alzheimer's and are projected to rise by almost 14 percent to 250,000 by 2025. Aging baby boomers are already starting to boost the number of residents 65 and older across the country, which will compound Alzheimer's and related diseases. Furthermore, many Ohioans younger than 65 suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's and many more are undiagnosed, while other related forms of dementia are excluded from the count. DeWine has tapped Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. McElroy and a representative from the Ohio Department of Health to lead the task force charged with devising the state plan.