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National Alzheimer's Plan Could Help With Texas' Large Burden

Because of sheer population size, Texas faces a big challenge when it comes to Alzheimer's disease.
Photo courtesy jamelah via Flickr
Because of sheer population size, Texas faces a big challenge when it comes to Alzheimer's disease.

The Obama Administration has unveiled a plan to address Alzheimer’s disease.

It has five broad goals for addressing the disease and helping families facing challenges from it, with an end- goal to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s by 2025.

Christian Wells is the Executive Vice President & Program Director of the Capital of Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She says having a national plan is becoming increasingly important for Texas as baby boomers age into the high risk range for Alzheimer’s.

“Because we are so populated, we’re up there with California and New York and Florida as really the top four states that are going to be faced with carrying the burden of most of the disease as it increases in frequency," said Wells.

A new website is now available for caregivers to get information on treating the disease.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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