In 2009, the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas was established via House Bill 1014 to bring together caregivers, public health officials, patient advocates, and community leaders to tackle a range of issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and the state. After collecting public feedback to inform the plan's recommendations, in 2011 the Task Force published the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas Final Report. In 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly approved a measure that created a permanent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council in the state. The Council is charged with updating the current Alzheimer’s and Dementia State Disease Plan and working with key stakeholders to ensure that the plan is implemented. 

In 2022, the Council released the updated Alzheimer’s and Dementia Arkansas State Plan. The updated State Plan establishes recommendations for prioritizing the state’s response to Alzheimer’s. Among the recommendations are permanently reauthorizing the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Committee; conducting a statewide needs assessment to determine the capacity, availability, cost, and quality of existing dementia care options; and expanding in-home and facility-based respite services for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

Support Dementia Caregivers Through Respite Care

More than 173,000 dementia caregivers in Arkansas provided $5.4 billion of unpaid care in 2025, often enabling their loved ones living with dementia to remain in the community instead of moving into more costly residential long-term care. However, over half of the caregivers in Arkansas are also living with their own chronic health conditions. Respite care provides necessary relief to family caregivers, allowing the caregiver to take care of their personal medical issues, complete tasks outside the home, or simply take a break from the demands of caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to make the successful dementia respite pilot program permanent with a $500,000 state appropriation, ensuring caregivers can continue accessing this vital support that reduces burnout, helps families stay together, and delays the need for institutional care.