Alzheimer’s & Dementia Program | Midwest Asian Health Association

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

With generous support from the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), MAHA launched the Alzheimer’s Disease Early Detection & Awareness Campaign in July 2023. The project represents a collaborative of effort by MAHA IPHA to provide comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease prevention and linkage to care services. In June 2024, the project transitioned to the Dementia Caregivers for Underserved Population Program, extending the services to not only Alzheimer’s patients, but also caregivers including families of the patients who suffer from Dementia. The program highlights the importance of providing emotional, educational and social support to caregivers.

Through these programs, MAHA offers educational interventions, pre-screening, linkage to resources including diagnosis and care, and caregiver support. MAHA’s disease prevention and control professional staff will periodically organize public workshops, health fairs, social media and outreach events, and support groups designed to reduce stigma, and promote awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function (thinking, memory, reasoning) that interferes with daily life. It results from damage or disease in the brain, affecting communication between brain cells and leading to a range of symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with language or problem-solving, impaired judgment, and changes in mood or behavior. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and others.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
3. Trouble understanding visual images
and spatial relationships
4. New problems with speaking or writing
5. Changes in mood or personality

6. Challenges planning or problem-solving
7. Confusion with time or place
8. Misplacing things and losing the ability
to retrace steps
9. Decreased or poor judgement
10.Withdrawal from work or social activities

Education workshops and trainings

Implement AD8 Prescreening Interview

AD8 Dementia Pre-screening Interview is a brief, informant-based assessment tool designed to initially distinguish between "normal aging" and "early sign of dementia". It consists of eight questions that help identify changes in an individual's memory, thinking, and daily functioning. You can complete it for yourself or assist a family member in doing so.

*Please remember, this tool is intended for pre-screening purposes only. Always rely on the diagnosis provided by your medical doctor