Ohio State University Extension is expanding support for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease through the work of Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator in Clark County. Tutt plays a central role in the Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregivers, a statewide initiative led by The Ohio State University College of Nursing in partnership with OSU Extension and funded by the Ohio Department of Aging. Kathy, along with 7 other Extension Educators will expand the educational outreach of the College of Nursing and the Golden Buckeye Center across the state.
As a trained dementia educators, Tutt and team provide evidence-based training to family caregivers, clinicians, community providers, and first responders, helping Ohioans recognize early symptoms, respond effectively, and access support services.
Rising Impact of Alzheimer's in Ohio and the U.S.
The burden of Alzheimer's continues to grow nationwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association's 2025 Facts and Figures report, 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, marking an increase of 300,000 from the previous year. Alzheimer's-related deaths have more than doubled between 2000 and 2022, rising over 142%. [Alzheimer's Statistics]
According to a Dayton Daily News report, Ohio faces a particularly significant impact. In 2025, 236,200 Ohio residents aged 65+ or 11.3% of older adults were living with Alzheimer's disease. The state recorded 4,953 Alzheimer's-related deaths, and 452,000 unpaid family caregivers provided 679 million hours of care valued at $13.3 billion . Medicaid spending for Alzheimer’s care in Ohio is projected to reach $3.2 billion in 2026.
It was also reported that nationally, nearly 12 million family members and friends supply 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $413 billion. Annual care costs excluding unpaid care were projected at $384 billion in 2025.
The Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving brings together leading researchers and clinicians to provide training, resources, and evidence-based strategies to strengthen support networks for both families and professional care partners across Ohio.
Learn more at: nursing.osu.edu/offices-and-initiatives/golden-buckeye-center-dementia-caregiving
Request programs for your Ohio community: go.osu.edu/adrdprogramrequest
