COLUMBIA, S.C., –The physical, emotional and financial burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals and their caregivers cannot be overstated, says gerontologist and licensed social worker Dr. Macie P. Smith. According to the latest statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, that burden is growing — and growing fast.

“The latest statistics reveal that about 1 in 9 people 65 years of age and older has Alzheimer’s,” Smith said. “And nearly 12 million people in the United States provide unpaid care for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.”
Smith has been helping family caregivers and their loved ones navigate diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her latest book, A Dementia Caregiver Called to Action: The Journey, is a possible resource designed to address common questions.

“As we age — and as we live we are aging — we are going to need help with some level of support or care,” Smith said. “No one is exempt from providing care or from needing care, so being able to better understand what caregiving entails and how truly it is a blessing to be able to care for someone else … you can never put a dollar amount on it.”

In her book, Smith takes readers through the logical progression of a dementia care experience, beginning with how to recognize potential symptoms before the diagnosis and what questions to ask the individual’s primary care physician. She then describes what to expect after a dementia diagnosis, answers common questions and details a range of care options available to dementia patients.

“Although there’s not a cure for progressive types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, there is care — your care,” Smith added.

Dr. Macie P. Smith has 25 years of expertise as a licensed social worker and gerontologist, dedicated to serving aging and vulnerable populations alongside their family caregivers. Her multifaceted role encompasses conducting research, crafting programs, evaluating their efficacy and facilitating professional development training in the pivotal areas of healthcare management, family caregiving, Alzheimer’s, dementia and cognitive impairment.
At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a geriatric care management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers.
She attained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Carolina State University. She now serves as vice chairperson of the board of trustees at her alma mater.