June marks Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a nationwide opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), reduce stigma, support affected families, and promote brain health. While dementia is a national public health issue, South Carolina is responding with targeted programs, research, and community resources tailored to our state's needs.
Dementia’s Impact on South Carolina
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Facts and Figures Report states that nationally, about 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia. This number could reach nearly 13 million by 2050 if we can’t find new ways to prevent or treat it. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth-leading cause of death among adults aged 65 and older. Family caregivers provide billions of hours of unpaid care every year, which is worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
In South Carolina, ADRD represents a significant and growing public health issue. The 2026 Facts and Figures report says about 112,500 South Carolinians aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This is about 11.5% of adults in that age group. The South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Registry, managed by the University of South Carolina’s Office for the Study of Aging, reported 125,538 diagnosed cases of ADRD; this number does not include individuals who have not yet received a diagnosis, with previous research suggesting that individuals living in the state with ADRD may actually be double what is reported. About 70% of those diagnosed live in the community.
In 2025, an estimated 229,000 family caregivers in South Carolina provided 377 million hours of unpaid care for those with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The calculated value of this care is about $7 billion. Many of these caregivers experience high rates of depression, ongoing health problems, and physical strain as a result of their responsibilities.
Support Services Through the South Carolina Department on Aging
The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) leads many key supports for individuals with dementia and their families:
• Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC): Established in 1994, the ARCC serves as a statewide focal point for coordination, service development, information, and education for people with ADRD, their families, and professionals.
• Dementia Care Specialist Program: Specialists are placed in each of the state’s 10 planning and service areas. They provide hyper-local education, information, referrals, and navigation support for people suspecting or facing a dementia diagnosis, as well as their caregivers and communities.
• Family Caregiver Support Program: Administered through local Area Agencies on Aging, this program offers counseling, respite care, support groups, training, and other resources to help unpaid family caregivers, including those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
These programs help families navigate care options, access respite, and stay informed through tools like the South Carolina Dementia Toolkit.
Statewide Planning and Prevention Efforts
South Carolina has a proactive Statewide Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (2023-2028). This plan serves as a blueprint for healthcare systems, long-term care providers, state agencies, and communities. It focuses on education, early detection, risk reduction, care coordination, caregiver support, and improvements in quality of life.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) supports prevention through Take Brain Health to Heart, a campaign that emphasizes the strong link between heart health and brain health. It encourages South Carolinians to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and prioritize mental health: all factors that can help reduce dementia risk.
Research and Specialized Care Across South Carolina
The state is also building strong clinical and research capacity:
• USC Brain Health: A statewide initiative improving access to cognitive care, especially in underserved and rural areas. It includes a network of clinics for screenings and evaluations, community support, and the new Brain Health Center in Columbia, focused on advanced diagnostics, treatments, and research opportunities.
• MUSC South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN): A multi-site, multidisciplinary program offering early diagnosis, coordinated care management, advanced treatments, and family support. SCAN connects primary care providers with specialists and participates in innovative care models.
• South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SC-ADRC): A collaborative effort involving MUSC, USC, Clemson University, and partners. It aims to advance diagnosis, treatment, prevention, clinical trials, and education while leveraging the state’s robust registry.
Key Resources:
• GetCareSC.com — Find local services, facilities, and supports.
• SC Department on Aging: aging.sc.gov or 1-800-868-9095.
• Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter: alz.org/sc.
• SC DPH Take Brain Health to Heart: dph.sc.gov.
• SC Alzheimer’s Disease Registry reports: osa-sc.org.
• CMS GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience): a new Medicare program designed to deliver coordinated care, caregiver education, support services, and navigation assistance to improve quality of life and help families manage the challenges of dementia.
Help shape a dementia-friendly future for South Carolina. This June, act by wearing purple to show support, sharing evidence-based information about Alzheimer’s and brain health within your community, and utilizing available local resources for information or assistance. Encourage family, friends, and colleagues to participate. Supporting research, aiding caregivers, and promoting prevention can create meaningful change for South Carolinians affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.