A groundbreaking initiative by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has led to the creation of an online registry to track cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the state of Virginia.
The Virginia Memory Project, officially established into law on April 2, aims to provide crucial support to individuals and families impacted by dementia. Through the collection of de-identified insurance claim data and an online questionnaire designed to assess health and dementia risk factors, the project seeks to enhance understanding and resources for those affected by these conditions.
Initiated in 2021 by Annie Rhodes, director of The Virginia Memory Project, the registry has already become one of only four dementia registries in the entire country. Utilizing insurance claim data, the research team will analyze diagnosis rates and treatment patterns for various cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Rhodes emphasized the importance of involving caregivers in the data collection process, recognizing the crucial role they play in supporting individuals with memory loss. With a focus on inclusivity and addressing historically underrepresented groups in healthcare, Rhodes hopes that the data from the project will empower policymakers and public health workers to identify needs, trends, and solutions for Virginians affected by memory loss.
