AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-P - Alzheimer's Disease: The Epidemiology of a Generational Concern

P - Alzheimer's Disease: The Epidemiology of a Generational Concern - Ouida Collins, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Collins, a hospitalist and interim public health director in Tennessee, has begun a faculty role at the Sam Houston State University, focusing on clinical medicine and admissions. Beyond her academic work, she's deeply involved in Alzheimer's advocacy, leading initiatives to enhance dementia care access. Her recent talk addressed Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its prevalence, with a focus on its generational impact on families and communities. Dr. Collins underscored the need for early diagnosis, as Alzheimer's affects 7 million Americans, leading to an overwhelming demand for caregiving, with significant social and economic costs.<br /><br />Dr. Collins emphasized the value of early detection, as Alzheimer's progresses slowly, impacting cognitive abilities. She addressed the complex nature of dementia care, including the emotional and financial challenges faced by families. Discussions touched on the need for coordinated care, the potential for new diagnostic technologies, and the role of lifestyle in managing risk. She stressed ongoing caregiver support and education, encouraging proactive health measures to mitigate disease progression. The talk ended with calls for community education and caregiver support, advocating for comprehensive care strategies to manage the disease's impact efficiently.

Keywords

Alzheimer's advocacy

dementia care

early diagnosis

caregiver support

clinical medicine

community education

diagnostic technologies

public health