The Wright Center helps lead the way in Alzheimer’s and dementia care
Few diagnoses are as life-changing as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The impact extends far beyond the individual patient, affecting spouses, children, friends, and entire families as they navigate the challenges that come with cognitive decline.
The need for awareness, education, and support continues to grow. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the condition remains one of the leading causes of death among older adults, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
That is why June’s observance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is so important. The annual campaign highlights risk factors, warning signs, early diagnosis, and the resources available to patients and caregivers. It also includes the Alzheimer’s Association’s June 21 fundraising initiative, “Do What You Love to End ALZ,” which encourages people around the world to support efforts to end Alzheimer’s disease through activities they enjoy.
Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., MPH, FACP, is senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. He is board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine and sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn.
At The Wright Center for Community Health, we are committed year-round to improving care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Since launching our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (ADC) Program in 2020, we have worked to provide comprehensive, coordinated support for both patients and their caregivers.
Based on the nationally recognized model developed at UCLA, the program addresses the complex medical, behavioral, and social needs associated with dementia. A multidisciplinary team of geriatricians, advanced practitioners, and dementia care specialists collaborates closely with patients’ primary care providers to develop individualized care plans and ensure continuity of care.
The ADC Program is part of our broader geriatric care services, which are designed to support older adults through a whole-person approach to health care. Rather than focusing solely on medical conditions, our team works to understand each patient’s goals, challenges, and support systems. This commitment to age-friendly care has earned us recognition from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, which designated our 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties as an Age-Friendly Health System Partner.
Education and community engagement are also essential components of dementia care. Throughout the year, we host programs and events that connect patients, caregivers, health professionals, and community organizations with valuable information and resources.
Among these efforts are the annual Caregivers Resource Fair and the Aging and Dementia-Friendly Symposium. Earlier this year, the symposium brought together health care professionals, students, long-term care providers, social service organizations, patients, and family members to discuss ways to recognize aging- and dementia-related concerns earlier and respond more effectively.
The Wright Center is also partnering with Age Friendly Lackawanna to offer free Dementia Champion educational sessions. Led by specially trained facilitators, these one-hour programs help participants better understand dementia and learn practical strategies to support loved ones living with the condition. Sessions are available both in person and virtually.
Upcoming Dementia Champion sessions are scheduled for:
- Sept. 22, 3-4 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., Scranton
- Oct. 23, 2-3 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn
- Nov. 18, 3-4 p.m., The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre
For information about sessions, contact Kari Machelli, RN, at [email protected].
A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but education and support can make a meaningful difference for patients and caregivers alike. By increasing awareness, strengthening community resources, and expanding access to specialized care, we can help individuals living with dementia maintain the highest possible quality of life while supporting the family members who care for them every day.
