UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Research Shows 70% of Alzheimer’s Families Cite Importance of Faith

Washington, D.C (September 19, 2019) - UsAgainstAlzheimer’s issued the following statement on the comments today by Pope Francis about Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of respect and dignity to people living with the disease and their families and caregivers. The Pope’s remarks came shortly before World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

“We applaud Pope Francis’s statement today shining a light on Alzheimer’s disease and the critical importance of respecting the dignity of people living with dementia and those who care for them.

“The Pope’s comments reinforce survey findings by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s that show faith is integral to how many people cope with the uncertainty, decline and loss that often accompanies the disease.

“A recent UsAgainstAlzheimer’s A-LIST® survey found that 70 percent of respondents said faith sustains them on their Alzheimer’s journeys. The survey also found that caregivers and those living with dementia want more support from their faith communities but have found it lacking.

“Comments like those of the Pope today can provide the needed impetus to more action by faith communities to support people living with Alzheimer’s, their families and their caregivers.

“This further validates UsAgainstAlzheimer’s continued work with faith communities to create dementia-friendly programs that treat affected members with dignity and care, help combat stigma and improve quality of life, and the work of hundreds of faith leaders across the country to support the spiritual life of these families and educate their communities about Alzheimer’s disease."

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The UsAgainstAlzheimer’s A-LIST® is a growing online community of more than 8,500 people living with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, or mild cognitive impairment, and current and former caregivers who are contributing to research that illuminates and validates the lived experience by making  their preferences heard on issues that span the entire scope of living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.