Initial Findings from the Evaluation of the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States Program

This article describes the initial development and implementation of the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States (ADDGS) program in 15 states. In addition to describing the services delivered and the client populations served, key elements of program development are discussed. Development strategies common to the programs that most successfully used the demonstration as a catalyst for developing services that are likely to continue are identified. Successful community programs were characterized by community commitment fostered by forging new partnerships and expanding public awareness. Success was also linked to the creation of new resources an d flexibility in implementation of the federal program.