Issue Elders with Alzheimer’s Disease According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, an estimated 44 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia worldwide, yet only 1-in-4 people have been diagnosed. In the United states, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are approximately 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America, yet the cost of caring for patients with Alzheimer’s in the U.S is an estimated $236 billion. This issue must be addressed as there are many individuals who go undiagnosed and are at risk of the disease, and many who are unable to provide financial support to their loved ones struggling with the disease. In addition, until a cure is found, 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050. Although this may seem like a minor issue, it is one that must be addressed for the wellbeing of the elderly population. In the United States, Medicare and Medicaid are expected to pay $154 billion in 2015 for health care, long-term care and hospice for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In addition, there are numerous organization such as the Alzheimer’s Foundation for America (AFA) and the Alzheimer’s Association that dedicate themselves to the research and advocacy of the disease. However, many elders living with Alzheimer’s cannot afford the necessary care for their disease and therefore resources must be provided to them. Goals Create funds for the expenses of Alzheimer’s care; create a care package for elders with Alzheimer’s and distribute it to a local Alzheimer’s community center; interact with elders suffering with Alzheimer’s. Creating funds for the expenses of Alzheimer’s care Generate $1000 dollars through bake sales and the sale of Alzheimer’s Association Awareness Bracelets; host a raffle or lottery Care Package Includes knitted scarves for the winter season; some classic movies and TV shows; activity books or crossword puzzles. These care packages could be distributed to local Alzheimer community centers, however we would need to check in with the caregivers to see what gifts are appropriate for the patients. Volunteer We would like to get involved with a local Alzheimer’s community center to interact with the elders suffering with the disease and learn more about the effects of the disease from the caregivers. Stein Senior Center has student volunteers. However, if this is not possible, I would like to work with the Helping Hands Subcommittee which deals with the Alzheimer’s Association and host an event with them for raising awareness about the Alzheimer’s disease. Local Alzheimer Community Centers: New Franklin Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, Stein Senior Center, Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation Group Members: Sarah Mathai, Samantha Vinoya, Talika Basantani, Faiza Tahsin, Yashna Ahmed, Ramisa Bashar