Advocacy Sessions

Advocacy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Alzheimer’s disease significantly impacts the community, with over 110,900 people aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s as of 2020. The burden of aregiving is substantial, with more than 205,000 caregivers dedicating nearly 297 million hours of unpaid care, valued at over $5.5 billion. Recognizing these challenges, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Bridge has been actively conducting advocacy sessions throughout Wisconsin, focusing particularly on underserved areas in Milwaukee. These sessions aim to educate the community about Alzheimer’s care and support, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management of the disease. Our collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Wisconsin Chapter has further enabled us to extend our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that vital information and support systems are accessible to all, especially those in impoverished or high-risk areas.

Advocacy in Rural Communities in Gujranwala, Pakistan

Gujranwala, a district in Punjab, Pakistan, has faced significant challenges due to high poverty rates and low literacy levels, especially in its rural areas. As of the latest census, the literacy rate among those aged 10 and above in rural Gujranwala stands at approximately 51%, with a notable fraction of the population still not receiving any formal education. This scenario significantly hinders awareness and education about health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, which remains largely misunderstood and underdiagnosed in these areas.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Bridge has targeted these communities with education-focused advocacy sessions held in local schools. These sessions are particularly designed to equip a few key family members with essential knowledge about Alzheimer’s care, who can then disseminate this information within their communities. This grassroots approach is vital in areas where healthcare and educational infrastructure are minimal, and traditional communication channels might not effectively convey crucial health information.

By empowering local families with knowledge about Alzheimer’s, our program aims to foster a community-driven response to the disease, enhancing the quality of life and care for those affected. Our efforts are instrumental in building a foundation of understanding and support for Alzheimer’s in these underprivileged communities, paving the way for better health outcomes and community resilience.

Advocacy in Urban Communities in Gujranwala, Pakistan

In the urban areas of Gujranwala, literacy rates are higher than in the rural parts, yet the awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease continue to face significant challenges. Our advocacy efforts in these communities have been robust, featuring educational programs and public sessions that have effectively raised awareness about the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

This proactive engagement in urban Gujranwala has been noteworthy and caught the attention of Alzheimer’s Pakistan, a respected member of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). Impressed by our sustained advocacy and the tangible impact it has had on community awareness and education, Alzheimer’s Pakistan has agreed to establish a new branch in the city. This new branch aims to bolster support and continue the educational efforts on Alzheimer's disease within Gujranwala.

The establishment of this branch by Alzheimer’s Pakistan is a testament to the effectiveness of our advocacy efforts and promises to enhance the resources available to the urban communities. It ensures ongoing advocacy and support for families affected by Alzheimer’s, extending our mission to improve care and understanding of this disease at a broader scale.