Iowa ranked third in the nation with the highest Alzheimer’s death rate in 2010. Due to this alarming statistic, Iowa State is now partnering with the Iowa Department on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness and improve the services provided for those affected by this disease.

“There is lack of awareness in our communities,” said Jennifer Margrett, associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State. “As people age, they, their families and the people they interact with aren’t prepared to think about needs, especially related to dementia.”

The partnership will be focusing specifically on a resource center for older Iowans and Iowans with disabilities, known as LifeLong Links. According to their website, LifeLong Links prepares people for the different transitions that occur during a lifetime. This includes aging and medical issues, and it provides a resource where Iowans can find the information they need in order to decide about the future of themselves and the future of their loved ones. 

On the Alzheimer’s Association website, it explains that dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, with Alzheimer’s being the most common type of this disease. 

“This partnership and evaluation is a way to help coordinate and shore up those gaps, so people do know where to turn for help,” Margrett said.