Consumers, community groups, academics from various Michigan universities, and state government representatives work together as the Michigan Dementia Coalition. Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of persons with dementia and their families in Michigan. We estimate 240,000 individuals in Michigan have dementia due to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's or another of the many diseases that cause dementia.

The Michigan Dementia Coalition developed a state Dementia Plan in 2003 to guide its efforts. Currently four work groups address the priorities identified in the Michigan Dementia Plan:

Caregiver Support Work Group
To increase support for family members who provide care for persons with dementia at home.

Primary Care Work Group
Promote a public health, disease management approach to dementia care in primary care practice that makes full use of best dementia care practices.

Long-Term Care Dementia Work Group
Promote excellence in dementia care in Michigan's long-term care system.

• MDC Meeting Minutes / 2.21.12 Meeting
• Caregiver Assessment Grid (September 2009) (PDF)
• (January 2009) Michigan Dementia Plan Update: 2009 through 2011 (PDF)
• Michigan physician and geriatrician Alan Dengiz, MD, is featured in a PBS program on Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Dengiz is Co-Chair of Michigan's Primary Care Dementia Network (PDF).
• Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care:
  A Guide for Direct Care Workers In Everyday Language (PDF, 1.4mb)
• The University of Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center conducts studies in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Visit the MADRC website for information about studies currently recruiting subjects.

The Michigan Dementia Coalition meets three times a year to:

• Discuss progress towards its goals
• Address emerging needs and issues of individuals, family caregivers, and dementia program providers
• Meeting dates/locations

Attention Spouse Caregivers in late-life, second marriages. You're invited to participate in a new study funded by the Alzheimer's Association.

• > Adult Day Programs and Respite Care Resource List
• > Caregiver
• > Education & Training Program Directory
• > Hospice for persons with dementia
• > Research-based Recommendations for Effective Caregiver Interventions