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.

Dementia Competencies Work Group
Increase the dementia competency of health care professionals.

Public Awareness Work Group
Increase early intervention by increasing public awareness of the caregiver role and the early warning signs of dementia. Campaign website: www.worriedaboutmemoryloss.com

• Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care:
  A Guide for Direct Care Workers In Everyday Language (PDF, 1.4mb)
• November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. View the Governor's proclamation (PDF)
• The University of Michigan is looking for healthy adults interested in learning about their risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Click here for more information.

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

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