Show-Me ECHO Works to Address Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are among the most pressing healthcare concerns facing the United States today. As our population ages, the number of individuals living with these conditions is rapidly increasing—posing significant challenges not only for patients and families, but also for the healthcare system as a whole.
Why Are Dementia and Alzheimer’s Growing Concerns?
The statistics are staggering. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. That number is expected to more than double by 2050. In Missouri alone, tens of thousands of families are grappling with the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of these conditions every day. Several factors are contributing to this growing health crisis:
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Aging Population: As baby boomers age, the prevalence of age-related cognitive disorders is rising.
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Healthcare Access Gaps: Many communities, especially in rural areas, lack healthcare providers with specialized training in diagnosing and managing dementia.
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Caregiver Strain: Families often shoulder the responsibility of care without adequate support or resources.
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Delayed Diagnosis: Dementia is frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, reducing opportunities for early intervention and planning.
Early diagnosis, appropriate management, and coordinated care can significantly improve quality of life—but many providers face barriers in staying current with best practices in dementia care. That’s where Show-Me ECHO comes in.
Show-Me ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a state-wide, tele-mentoring program that connects primary care providers, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals with a team of specialists in dementia care. Through regular, virtual learning sessions, participants can present real patient cases, ask questions, and learn evidence-based strategies from experts—all at no cost.
The Dementia & Alzheimer’s ECHO specifically aims to:
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Increase early identification and accurate diagnosis of dementia.
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Support providers in developing individualized care plans.
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Promote best practices in communication with patients and caregivers.
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Address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
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Connect professionals to a supportive network of peers and specialists.
This collaborative, case-based learning model helps build capacity in communities across Missouri, especially in underserved areas. Healthcare providers gain the confidence and knowledge they need to better support individuals living with dementia—and ultimately help families navigate the journey with more dignity and care.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are complex, but with the right knowledge and support, providers can make a meaningful difference in their patients’ lives. Whether you're a clinician, social worker, or community health partner, the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Show-Me ECHO is an invaluable resource in the fight against this growing public health challenge.
This ECHO meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 12:00 pm – 1:00pm CST.
To learn more or to register, visit showmeecho.org.
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