According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of Alzheimer's deaths in Springfield, MA, is declining. In 2016, about 3% of deaths in the region were linked to Alzheimer's compared to 2.7% in 2020. There were 106 Alzheimer's-related deaths in the first year of this reporting period and 116 deaths at the end, equaling a 9% increase. By comparison, the total number of deaths went up by about 28%. These deaths were primarily in those aged 65 and over, a demographic that accounts for 13% of the city's 156,000 residents.
While there isn't a cure for Alzheimer's, early intervention and comprehensive dementia care can positively impact health outcomes. For that reason, many seniors and families in the region opt for residential memory care. Alzheimer's facilities have open floor plans and homelike environments that offer comfort and familiarity and reduce confusion, and their secured exits and enclosed courtyards promote independence and prevent unsafe wandering. This guide provides more information on memory care in Springfield, including an overview of care costs and options for funding services.