In the Midwestern state of Minnesota, it's reported that 94,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, a disease that is the primary cause of dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the majority of cases are diagnosed in adults over the age of 65. Plymouth, which is situated in the southeastern region of the state, has a senior community that makes up nearly 15 percent of the 78,000-person population.
Memory care facilities are established to meet the needs of those with dementia. In Plymouth, as in all of the state, memory care facilities may also be called special care units, or SCUs. Plymouth is home to two SCUs, and there are three dozen more in nearby cities. They are required to register annually with the Department of Health.