Developmental Disabilities and Alzheimer’s Disease Prevalence and Needs Questionnaire

The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, was awarded an Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant from the Administration of Aging. This overall project is called “Bridging the Gap.” An important initiative of the grant is to convene a task force of key stakeholders to assess the prevalence and needs of individuals in Arkansas with developmental disabilities who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies show that, of individuals with developmental disabilities, those who have Down syndrome are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than in the past and develop Alzheimer’s disease much earlier than adults in the general population, which affects roughly 6% of adults over 65. In comparison, individuals with Down syndrome are affected at the rate of 25% by age 40 and 65% after age 60.

There are no specific records or data kept on individuals with developmental disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease in Arkansas. In order to better assess the prevalence and needs of this population, the Bridging the Gap Task Force has developed a questionnaire to help collect the needed data.

We are asking you to help us as we undertake this worthwhile endeavor to obtain valuable information that will benefit those who serve this population now and in the future.

To assist in this project, please fill out the Task Force questionnaire and hit the Submit button. Or, you can download this questionnaire, complete it and return it by mail to:

Kris Baldwin or Susie Keesling
P.O. Box 1437 Slot S530
Little Rock, AR 72203

For more information contact:

Kris Baldwin at 501-682-8509 or Susie Keesling at 501-682-2418