Rutherford County, TN - Tennessee ranks 14th highest in Alzheimer’s related deaths nationwide. Locally, an estimated 10.2 per cent of Rutherford County's 65+ population has Alzheimer's disease, according to estimates from the Alzheimer's Association. That compares to 10.9 per cent statewide, and ranks #47 of 95 counties in Tennessee. Locally, it means about 4,000 people have Alzheimer's in Rutherford County.
This disease impacts around 6.7-million Americans, and that number is only growing. Without a breakthrough in prevention—or a cure—medical professionals believe the volume of diagnoses could double by 2060. Researchers hope the new state- and county-level estimates will help regional public health officials better treat Alzheimer's patients, develop localized care plans, and budget for care—particularly as new treatments come at a cost.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Tennessee Department of Health are addressing the urgent public health crisis of dementia in Tennessee through the launch of the Tennessee Dementia ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Program. This innovative tele mentoring program aims to equip healthcare professionals statewide with the skills to improve early diagnosis and care for individuals with dementia.
An estimated 129,200 Tennesseans aged 65 and older are living with ADRD,1 according to the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association report.
“Dementia is a public health crisis that affects families and communities across Tennessee every day,” said Ray Romano, PhD, MPH, MSN, RN, nurse practitioner at the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center. “By expanding our outreach through the Tennessee Dementia ECHO, we are democratizing dementia care knowledge, empowering providers to deliver high-quality care, and improving outcomes for patients.”
Improving Dementia Care Across Tennessee
“This program is crucial to ensuring that all Tennesseans, especially in rural and underserved areas, have access to providers skilled in diagnosing and managing dementia to support aging with dignity and quality,” said Ralph Alvarado, MD, commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Health. “Equipping health care professionals across Tennessee with the latest training ensures that people living with ADRD and their caregivers receive the support and quality care they deserve.”
Health care providers who join the program can earn up to 12 continuing education credits. For more information about the Tennessee Dementia ECHO, including how to participate, visit https://www.vumc.org/vmac/tn-dementia-echo or contact Romano at tndementiaecho@vumc.org.
