KanCare | DCF | KDHE | Office of the Governor

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In the United States, an estimated 6.7 million people are living with some form of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Kansas Facts and Figures, in 2020 there were 55,000 people over 65 years of age living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in Kansas. It is estimated that number will increase to 62,000 by the year 2025, a 12.7% increase. Simultaneously, there is an increasing shortage of direct care providers in the aging, disability and public health networks. 

Dementia refers to loss of memory, language, and other thinking skills that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia, making up 60-80% of those diagnosed.

• National Institute on Aging: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia—Find accurate information on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's and Dementia—Learn about the symptoms and causes of Alzheimer’s disease, risk factors, stages, research and treatment options.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging: Provides evidence-based, scientific information to educate, inform, and assist translating research into public health practice.
• Alzheimers.gov: Connects people to the many federal resources available to educate and support people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
• Now What?  Next Steps after a Diagnosis (PDF) a diagnosis can be difficult but getting accurate information and support can help.

The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline is funded in part by grants from the Administration on Aging and the Administration for Community Living and is available around the clock, 365 days a year at 1-800-272-3900. 

Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.

Contact the Helpline day or night to:

• Speak confidentially with master’s-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance and education on issues families face every day.
• Learn about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
• Find out about local programs and services.
• Get general information about legal, financial and care decisions, as well as treatment options.
• Receive help in your preferred language through our bilingual staff or interpreter service, which accommodates more than 200 languages.

In 2022, approximately 89,000 Kansas caregivers provided more than 125 million hours of care to someone living with dementia. That unpaid value of care is more than $1.99 billion.  Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is both rewarding and challenging.  You don’t have to do it on your own.  This section provides information on available programs, supports and other resources. 

• The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center - 1-855-200-2372 (ADRC): a trusted source of information  and can help you find local resources, make care plans, and connect you with publicly funded service programs.
• Trualta: provides free online training and tips to all caregivers across Kansas. 
• Alzheimer’s Association – Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers - 1-800-272-3900: provides day-to-day support and help for Alzheimer's caregivers, including care training, planning tools and tips to help you cope.
• KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center - 1-913-588-0555: answering concerns about memory changes, a dementia diagnosis, or how to best care for a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s as well as providing caregiver support.
• VA Caregiver Support Program - 1-855-260-3274: promotes the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
• The Caregiver’s Handbook (PDF): A guide to getting started, finding support, and taking care of yourself.
• Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease: Your Easy-to-Use Guide (PDF or Print Copy): Get caregiving information and advice in this comprehensive, easy-to-read guide. Learn caregiving tips, safety information, common medical problems, and how to care for yourself.

In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019 Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, Establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force.  Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care, and Rural.