By Dianne Jacob| Dianne’s Corner

Alzheimer’s alert: When the county in 2014 launched The Alzheimer’s Project, our regional initiative to help families and find a cure, we knew we were facing an uphill battle against the deadly disease.

But two new county studies show we’re in for an even bigger fight than we thought.

The reports say the number of San Diegans 55 and older with dementia is expected to increase 36 percent by 2030, while the costs associated with their care are also likely to skyrocket.

The federal government recently awarded a grant to a local research team that was created as a result of The Alzheimer’s Project. I’m optimistic that we’ll find a cure or treatment right here in San Diego, thanks to our world-class brain scientists.

Lowdown on libraries: Funding for a new Lakeside Library recently reached another milestone, thanks to a $5,000 donation presented to the Friends of the Library from the Barona Indians.

The county will pay for the construction and cover day-to-day operations, but fundraising by the Lakeside Friends is critical. Thank you, Lakesiders, along with friends like Barona, for rallying around this awesome project!

Meanwhile, the county continues to pursue plans for a bigger, better library in Casa de Oro.

Success stories: It was great to recently honor some of our local health heroes.

Among those receiving 2018 Public Health Champion Awards from the county were the folks at McAlister Institute, a substance abuse treatment center in El Cajon, and Darlene Shiley, the San Diego philanthropist who has done more than anyone to help ease the terrible burden for families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.

Have a great East County day!

— Dianne Jacob is San Diego Country Supervisor for District 2. For more District 2 news, go to diannejacob.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For assistance with a county issue, call 619-531-5522 or email [email protected].