South Dade County Funding Addresses Growing Alzheimer’s Crisis

In 2023, the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter announced a new grant from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation to address the growing Alzheimer’s crisis in Southeast Florida. Currently, more than 62,000 in Miami-Dade County alone are living with Alzheimer’s, a fatal disease that impacts thinking, behavior and memory. 

Since then the Association has served more than 200 people in Homestead, Florida City and South Dade County through awareness programs and employee training through Baptist Health Homestead Hospital. All programs have been available at no-cost to the community.   

“Alzheimer’s continues to grow in Southeast Florida, increasing the burden of this terrible disease on those living with it, caregivers, health systems and employers,” said Gloria Orlandi-Kass, a program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter. “We are proud of what these programs have accomplished to help local families better understand the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, importance of early detection and resources that are available.”

In partnership with Baptist Health Homestead Hospital, the Association also educated staff on the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementia for individuals who may otherwise look healthy. Training reviewed how to understand and respond to challenging behaviors and provide support for the entire family.

Florida has more than 580,000 residents living with Alzheimer’s, the second highest in the country. If nothing is done to slow rates, more than 720,000 Floridians will be living with Alzheimer’s by 2025. There is currently no cure for the disease, however new FDA-approved treatments have been shown to slow the progression of the disease for those in the early stages. For more information on local Alzheimer’s programs and support groups, visit alz.org/SEFL or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900