DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jennifer Herriott, MPH
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
A briefing on the work being done in San Antonio at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases
SUMMARY:
Faculty from the UT Health San Antonio campus will provide a presentation briefing the Community Health and Equity Committee on the work of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases and will identify needs in our community of Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Dementia is a group of symptoms characterized by a decline in intellectual functioning severe enough to interfere with a person's normal daily activities and social relationships. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people. The second most common cause of dementia is multi-infarct dementia, which is caused by a series of strokes.
5.8 million Americans and approximately 390,000 Texans are living with Alzheimer's disease and the number of diagnoses is expected to increase by 25% in the next 6 years. In 2017, 1.4 million unpaid caregivers provided care in Texas, which equates to about 1.6 billion hours of care at a cost of $20.2 billion each year. Alzheimer's exacts an enormous toll on individuals, families, the healthcare system, and American businesses. It is a serious problem affecting many aspects of our society. Until Alzheimer's disease can be prevented or cured, the impact of this disease will only continue to intensify.
Known for his dedication and service to the community, Glenn Biggs was a prominent figure whose leadership influenced economic development across San Antonio. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he and his family struggled to find comprehensive care. This search led him to approach UT Health San Antonio President William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP, and many other community leaders to address the need for a comprehe...
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