Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Louisiana
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily activities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Dementia is a general term used to describe changes in cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life. There are several types of dementia, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease—the most common type of dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
- Parkinson’s disease dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that gradually impacts memory, reasoning, communication, and independence over time.
Prevention and Risk Factors
While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, research shows that healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce risk and support long-term brain health.
Risk Factors for Dementia
Some risk factors cannot be changed, including:
- Age
- Family history and genetics
- Certain medical conditions
Other risk factors may be improved through healthy lifestyle choices and management of chronic conditions. Visit the Brain Health page to learn more about healthy habits that may help reduce dementia risk and support lifelong cognitive health.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Recognizing changes early can help individuals and families access care, plan ahead, and connect to support services sooner.
Know the Signs
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Changes in memory, thinking, or behavior that disrupt daily life may be signs of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
There are 10 warning signs that can help identify symptoms that may be related to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Learn more here: 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
If you notice changes in friends, family members, or others close to you and are concerned about their health—particularly changes involving memory, thinking, or behavior—it can be difficult to know what to do or say. Although it is natural to feel uncertain or nervous about how to offer support, these changes are important health concerns that should not be ignored.
Understanding the “10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns” can help you feel more confident when assessing the situation, starting a conversation, and encouraging someone to seek help.
How to Get Checked
If you notice changes in memory or thinking in yourself or someone else:
- Talk with a healthcare provider
- Ask about cognitive screening or evaluation
- Share specific examples of changes you’ve noticed
Many health insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover cognitive assessments as part of preventive care or annual wellness visits.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early diagnosis can help people:
- Access treatments and care sooner
- Participate in care planning and decision-making
- Connect to community resources and support
- Explore opportunities to participate in research
- Improve management of other chronic conditions
Early Detection Guide: Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Treatment and Care
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments may help manage symptoms or slow progression for some individuals. Talk with a healthcare provider about treatment options and eligibility.
Support for Individuals and Caregivers
Living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia impacts individuals, families, and caregivers. Support services can help people stay connected, informed, and supported throughout the journey.
Resources
- The Alzheimer’s Association provides education, caregiver support, local programs, and a 24/7 Helpline.
- Connect with the Louisiana Chapter for more resources.
- The CMS (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) GUIDE Model tests the impact of providing comprehensive services and supports for people with dementia and their caregivers.
- Various local community-based organizations offer services and support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, including education, respite, support groups, and care navigation resources.
- Contact a local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), also known as Louisiana Answers Aging and Disability Information Station, as a “one-stop shop” for resources to access information about public and private programs at the community level. ADRCs also house the state’s Dementia Care Specialist program.
- Visit Well-Ahead’s Community Resource Guide for a variety of local resources.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory changes, support is available. Early action can make a meaningful difference for individuals, caregivers, and families.
Well-Ahead Louisiana is committed to improving awareness, promoting brain health, supporting early detection, and connecting Louisianans to dementia resources and services.