About Sylvia Leddy

Sylvia is a Program Manager of Diversity & Initiatives with the Alzheimer's Association. She holds a Master's degree in Sociology with supporting fields in psychology and government from The University of Texas. A social worker for 26 years she has experience working in long term care, home health, hospice and have worked as adjunct professor at Polk State College. She is well versed in Medicaid and Medicare.  Fluent in Spanish, she volunteers to teach it to seniors 55+ and loves staying very involved in her community. You can reach Sylvia at smleddy@alz.org

About this episode:

16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. These caregivers provided an estimated 18.6 billion hours valued at nearly 240 billion dollars.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or other dementia. And it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and it presents unique challenges for those 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Most notably, the public health strategies aimed at limiting contact with others is nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives.

The Alzheimer’s Association has been quick to shift in order to provide support for families affected by the disease. Listen to this episode to learn more!

Resources Mentioned: Though many of the resources Sylvia mentioned are in Florida, your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has similar offerings. Find your chapter below:

Alzheimer's Association Chapter Locator

Florida Project Vital

Telephonic Support Groups - call 800-272-3900

Free Online Education

Caregiver College

You can visit alz.org or call the 24-hour helpline 1-800-272-3900 for more information on all of this and more

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