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Naples, Florida – Scott Burgess, President and CEO of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), on behalf of the DLC Board of Directors, announced today that DLC is exploring an initiative that would commit significant resources to bring to Collier County, and the surrounding community, cutting edge neurocognitive disorders clinical trials and access to research and medications not yet available to the general population. In addition, this Center of Excellence would offer the latest evidence-based treatments and educational supports.

Burgess expressed, “Neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline are devastating to an individual’s quality of life, not to mention the challenges they bring to the family’s support system.”

In the United States, the numbers of those experiencing some form of debilitating cognitive decline are doubling every 20 years. An estimated 5.1 million Americans aged 65 years or older may currently have Alzheimer’s disease, the most well-known form of cognitive impairment; this number is predicted to rise to 13.2 million by 2050.

Based on the growing population of Southwest Florida, over 20,000 in the region may currently have Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to grow to over 55,000 by the year 2050. This does not include those diagnosed with the other forms of neurocognitive impairment.

“We envision DLC as the region’s ‘hub’ for all individuals, families, and providers located in Southwest Florida, offering expertise through a planned affiliation with the University of South Florida, recognized as a national leader participating in pioneering research and treatment for various neurocognitive disorders,” said Burgess. “All too often, when individuals receive a heart-breaking diagnosis like this, their despair is understandably overwhelming for them and their family. They need a local resource that they can turn to, right here in Southwest Florida, that can guide them holistically through their journey, supported through seamless partnerships with other regional healthcare providers, providing them with the very best care available anywhere in the world. We believe such a program will enhance the current life-changing services DLC already provides in support of brain health and wellness.

“Southwest Florida is a beautiful place and the envy of many. We have some of the finest healthcare providers in the United States; our community’s advancements in care and treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and orthopedics are remarkable and something we are grateful to have,” said Burgess. “Why can’t we offer the same level of excellence for those who suffer from various forms of neurocognitive impairment? On behalf of our Board and the dedicated team at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, I believe we can. We will provide periodic updates as we continue to explore this initiative over the next several months.”

About David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.