In 2019, the community health needs assessment identified that the 65+ population was projected to increase over 15% by 2023. Along with a growing aging population, mortality rates due to Alzheimer's disease was higher in the Doylestown area then those in surrounding areas. Because Bucks County is rich in resources and beauty, the community does a better job of aging in place, pushing these numbers higher than the national average.
Recognizing this startling public health crisis, Doylestown Health is committed to facilitating dementia-related education for individuals, families, and the community at large. To support those affected by this diagnosis, Doylestown Health and our partners are working to equip our local community by creating a “Dementia Friendly Doylestown.”
Dementia Friendly Doylestown aims to help those living with dementia remain active in the community. Dementia can present as memory loss, behavioral and functional changes, and other cognitive challenges. Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, CTE (chronic concussion-related dementia), TBI (traumatic brain injury dementia), and others are all forms of dementia. Dementia Friendly Doylestown seeks to bring awareness to all types of dementia through education and community outreach in order to enhance the lives of those living with dementia and their care partners.