Together in Care: Supporting Caregivers and Advancing Dementia Awareness

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More than 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025). Behind this number are millions of stories—of individuals, families, and caregivers showing strength and resilience every day.

Most caregivers are unpaid family members or friends (National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, 2020). They assist with daily tasks, manage medications, attend medical appointments, handle paperwork, and provide vital emotional support. Many juggle caregiving alongside jobs, family responsibilities, and their own health—often without formal training. Their role is both meaningful and demanding, deserving greater recognition and support.

Progress in Public Health and Community Support 
Communities and public health leaders are increasingly focusing on dementia-related care and support. Key areas include:

• Promoting brain health and reducing dementia risk
• Encouraging early diagnosis
• Supporting caregivers through education, respite care, and emotional resources

Importantly, these efforts are shaped by caregivers themselves, whose insights help guide more responsive policies and programs.

What the Research Shows
Recent studies highlight promising strategies for caregiver support:

Goal-Oriented Support Promotes Independence
In the UK’s NIDUS-Family program, caregivers and people with dementia set simple, meaningful daily goals—like making tea or taking a walk. These sessions helped reduce hospitalizations, prolonged independent living, and cut healthcare costs (The Times, 2024).

Support Builds Confidence
The D-CARE trial, the largest of its kind in the U.S., found that caregivers receiving structured support felt more confident and less overwhelmed. While clinical outcomes were similar across study groups, supported caregivers experienced improved self-efficacy (UCLA Newsroom, 2024).

Online Programs Help Long-Distance Caregivers
LDCare, a virtual coaching program, offered long-distance caregivers tools for stress management, communication, and care planning. Over seven weeks, participants reported reduced strain and depression (LTSS Center, 2024).

Where to Begin
Many caregivers struggle to navigate the complex system of dementia care. A 2024 survey found it remains one of their biggest challenges (NPR, 2024). If you are looking for help, consider these trusted resources:

• Local & Community-Based
  • • Area Agencies on Aging: Local referrals and support
    • Faith-based organizations: Caregiver support groups and ministries
    • Alzheimer’s Association: 24/7 helpline, events, and education

   

• National Nonprofits
  • • Alzheimer’s Association
    • Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
    • Lewy Body Dementia Association
    • Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center
    • Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
    • National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices

   

• Government & Tribal Programs
  • • • Eldercare Locator: Aging services by ZIP code
      • Indian Health Service: Tribal-specific dementia care
      • NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers
      • PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): May cover dementia-related care for those living at home

The Power of Caregiver Voices
Caregivers are essential partners in improving dementia care. Their lived experiences shape better systems, communication, and support.

Whether you are new to caregiving or years into the journey, your voice matters—and you are not alone. Together, we can build a more compassionate and connected future for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.