Over 20,000 diagnosed in Brevard County … with many more not diagnosed.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens who are living with dementia and their family care partners.

The mission of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Dementia Friendly Community Initiative is to create a local community where people living with dementia are supported to enjoy a high quality of life with meaning, purpose, and value. We seek to foster a dementia-friendly society by educating the community on the signs of dementia and how best to interact with a person living with dementia and by encouraging all sectors of the community to adopt dementia-friendly practices.

Dementia Facts:

• Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.
• Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging.
• Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60% to 70% of cases.
• Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.
• Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economic impact, not only on people with dementia, but also on their careers, families and society at large.

Alzheimer’s Facts:

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.
• There is no cure, prevention or treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
• More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in America.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
• It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Who… can participate in the Brevard Dementia Friendly Community?

In a dementia friendly community, every part of the community plays a role and works together to create a dementia friendly culture. It’s all about “partnerships”: Partnerships with those diagnosed with dementia; partnerships with those caring for loved ones with dementia; partnerships with religious organizations; partnerships with schools; and partnerships with businesses and the community to promote awareness of dementia.

What… is a Dementia Friendly Community?

Dementia friendly is much more than simply being kind to those impacted by dementia. A dementia friendly community is one where those living with Alzheimer’s and their care partners feel respected, supported, and included in everyday community life.

A landmark announcement made in July 2015 at the White House Conference on Aging launched the start of Dementia Friendly America. Communities across the country are actively modeling the Dementia Friendly America movement, demonstrating collaborative, community-level change to foster dementia friendliness. Those with dementia say they feel marginalized by society and feel excluded by friends, neighbors, and everyday community life. Communities, counties and even entire states are now taking action to change this. Brevard County is one of the communities that has expressed an interest in putting Dementia Friendly Florida “on the map.”

Why… are there Dementia Friendly Communities?

With 10,000 people daily turning 65, and age being the greatest risk factor for dementia, Brevard County is committed to raising awareness throughout the state, striving to reduce stigma and fostering individual engagement through training and participation within a “dementia friendly community.” Having a solid community of people we can trust enough to be vulnerable with and who will sustain us through difficult times is a foundational part of life. Imagine a community where people with dementia feel included, respected, and valued, where they can participate in activities that are meaningful to them.

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY BREVARD PROJECTS

1) Dementia Friendly Brevard Facebook Page
Public Facebook page showing the support of the local community. Click here to follow.

2) Dementia Friendly Business Directory
Brevard County business directory displaying the local businesses who support a Dementia Friendly Brevard. Click Here For Directory.

2) Community Education Events
Community-wide public education sessions to build awareness of dementia basics, warning signs, caregiver skills, and self-care, communication tips, promising research updates, resources available, and risk reduction information.

3) Dementia Resource Guides
These guides list contact information and support resources for various dementia organizations in Brevard County. They are distributed at community events and venues.

4) Dementia Friendly Business Designations
Businesses can earn a Dementia Friendly Business designation by pledging to treat customers and caregivers affected by dementia with respect and sensitivity and by offering employee Dementia 101 Lunch and Learn sessions.

5) Dementia Training for Government Employees
Dementia Friendly Brevard presents Dementia 101 Lunch and Learn sessions for Brevard County city, county, state, and federal government departments and agencies.

6) Dementia Friendly Restaurant Program
Participating restaurants provide quiet dining areas and ensure servers complete a brief dementia communication training. Families can make reservations to arrange a dementia friendly restaurant experience for their loved ones.

7) Dementia Information Wallet Cards
These cards can be presented to indicate that a companion has dementia and may demonstrate unfamiliar behaviors and include dementia communication tips.