According to the Alzheimer's Association, 92,000 Alabama seniors are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is projected to grow by nearly 20 percent by 2025. Thirteen percent of Fort Payne's population of about 14,000 is aged 65 or older, and some of these seniors may have Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. Fort Payne is home to two memory care facilities, and six more are located in nearby Huntsville.
The Alabama Department of Health's Division of Healthcare Facilities certifies all memory care facilities in the state. In Fort Payne and throughout Alabama, they fall into the category of specialty care assisted living facilities. The staff of these facilities must be trained to work with the cognitively impaired, including seniors living with Alzheimer's disease.