Placer County Healthy Brain Initiative

In February 2020 the Placer County Public Health division was awarded a grant from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for efforts to create dementia-friendly communities within Placer County as part of the Healthy Brain Initiative. The goal of a dementia-friendly community is to create a place where people with dementia are respected, valued, and understood. Dementia-friendly communities also ensure that all community members are aware of and understand the disease, and offer supportive services to those living with dementia so they may remain independent for as long as possible and continue to actively participate in their community.

Placer is an aging community with more than 80,000 residents over the age of 65 in 2020. According to the California Department of Finance forecasts, the county’s senior population will surge to over 120,000 residents by 2030, which will account for 26% of the total estimated population. From 2003-2017, the number of deaths in Placer County from Alzheimer’s increased 162%, making it the third-leading cause of death.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to a loss of memory, thinking and other brain functions. Those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s often see a slow decline of cognitive abilities and will require support to be able to complete their day-to-day functions. While currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, more research has identified ways to help prevent the onset and slow an individual’s progression.

The disease also impacts the caretakers and loved ones of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is extremely taxing on the caregiver as the care provided is more personal and intrusive than other diseases, which results in health impacts for the caregivers themselves.  More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as very high, with many reporting depression and anxiety.

The Placer County Healthy Brain Initiative will embark on a collaborative effort to increase community support systems for the patient as well as the caretakers. The program will establish support systems such as dementia-friendly public transportation, support groups and educational workshops for dementia patients and caregivers, community-based activities, training and education for first-responders, and increased emergency preparedness protocols for caregivers and dementia residents.

By partnering with Placer County care facilities for the elderly, transportation agencies, community-based organizations, enforcement agencies, and the Placer County Adult System of Care, the program will ensure that all sectors of the community are engaged and mobilized in this effort. The goal of the program is to create supportive systems that allow residents with Alzheimer’s and other age-related brain dementias to lead fulfilling lives and remain engaged and independent for as long as possible. Providing a wide array of resources and support systems for these patients and their caretakers is the first step in meeting that goal.

To learn more about the Placer County Healthy Brain Initiative, and opportunities to get involved, please contact the Program Coordinator, Natasha Kubek, at nkubek@placer.ca.gov.

Warm Regards,

Supervisor Jim Holmes

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has approved an additional $5 million of the county's Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to aid anchor businesses and social safety net programs critically impacted by COVID-19.  Read more...