San Diego/Imperial Geriatric Education Center

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, fatal brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest daily tasks.

What is its impact in San Diego?

Today there are nearly 100,000 people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in San Diego County. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 115,000, with more than 300,000 people caring for them.

Who is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

A number of factors may increase or decrease a person’s chances of developing the disease. These risk factors include age, genetics, environment, and lifestyle.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process. But when memory problems begin to seriously affect daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

What are the care challenges?

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease takes a heavy physical, financial and emotional toll on those caring for them.  Alzheimer’s disease poses real challenges for both the person diagnosed and to those who assume caregiving responsibilities.

Local programs and services

Whether there is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or you just have concerns about memory loss, there are local programs and services available to the community. You are not alone; it is okay to ask for help.

SDIGEC Project Collaborators

About SDIGEC

The San Diego/Imperial Geriatric Education Center (SDIGEC) has been funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as part of their Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program to develop the next generation of geriatric health workers in San Diego and Imperial Counties. SDIGEC builds on The Alzheimer’s Project, a regional initiative of the County of San Diego, that through the leadership of Chairwoman Dianne Jacob (now County Supervisor) and the County Board of Supervisors, brought together community partners to develop plans to address the growing health concern of Alzheimer’s Disease.

SDIGEC is a collaborative effort lead by the Academy and the SDSU Schools of Nursing and Social Work and Public Health, San Diego County Aging and Independence Services (AIS), and UCSD Medical School Departments of Geriatric Psychiatry and Geriatrics and will initially focus on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The project offers workforce training across the spectrum from health care professionals and social workers, to family caregivers, and includes student stipends and cross-disciplinary collaboration to build an integrated geriatric system of care.

To learn more about SDIGEC and project updates, CLICK HERE>>