Dementia Crisis Hits Hard in Michigan: How One Group is Trying to Ease Burden

A report from the Michigan Dementia Coalition found the state's dementia burden has reached crisis levels, according to the Detroit Free Press . The report estimated that dementia care will cost up to $1.42 billion in 2019 alone to Medicaid in Michigan for people 65 and older. This will likely climb to $1.72 billion annually by 2025, as more people are diagnosed with dementia. "More than half a million Michigan family members are caring for a loved one with dementia, and they bear the greatest responsibility," stated Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "But this impact is also felt by our employers, our healthcare systems, our state resources and economy, and every community in the state." The coalition is developing strategies to help the state better cope with the expanding dementia population and improve the quality of both their lives and those of their caregivers. Its goals include boosting access to caregiver training, education, and support and raising job satisfaction for healthcare and dementia service workers. Other priorities include early detection and diagnosis and more opportunities for people with dementia to participate in clinical research, as well as providing affordable and reliable transportation services.