Preparing the Dementia Workforce

Preparing the Dementia Workforce

As we enter a new era of Alzheimer’s treatment, access to a timely and accurate diagnosis is even more critical. Today, only half of those living with Alzheimer’s disease are diagnosed, and of those, only half are told of their diagnosis. The initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is often made by primary care providers. But because they are not dementia specialists, most report they do not feel prepared to provide care for those diagnosed. Project ECHO programs have shown they can help address the knowledge gaps felt by many primary care providers and reach rural and medically underserved areas where primary care physicians are especially strained.

Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act

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Through the use of Project ECHO, the bipartisan AADAPT Act (H.R. 7688 / S. 4276) would empower primary care providers to better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality, person-centered care in community-based settings. The bipartisan bill would build upon the current ECHO program to provide grants specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia to address the knowledge gaps and workforce capacity issues primary care providers face.

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Urge Congress to accelerate dementia workforce preparedness in communities throughout the nation.

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Find a Member of Congress

Learn where your member of Congress stands on AIM’s policy priorities and how you can help gain their support in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.