WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging has awarded a $300,000 demonstration grant to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for its Alzheimer’s Disease in Rural Maine project, Democratic 1st District Rep. Tom Allen announced Wednesday.

“Alzheimer’s disease is devastating wherever it occurs, but providing treatment and care in Maine’s rural communities is an especially daunting challenge,” Allen said in a statement. “As the ‘baby boom’ generation ages, we anticipate an explosion of Alzheimer’s cases nationwide, and with one of fastest-growing elderly populations in the nation, Maine’s Alzheimer’s caseload will grow disproportionately.

“The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will target these funds toward support for rural Alzheimer’s caregivers, and I am pleased that the federal government has recognized the need to provide this much-needed assistance.”