WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 3, 2023 — This week, the Alzheimer’s Association is bringing together state officials for its second annual State Dementia Services Coordinator (DSC) Summit in Washington, D.C. Following this year’s historic traditional approval of an Alzheimer’s treatment that slows the progression of the disease, attendees will discuss how state governments can improve statewide coordination to better address Alzheimer’s and other dementia, implement dementia-specific policies, and improve the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in their states.
“It’s a new era of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and we believe the State DSC Summit can be a catalyst for change,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) executive director. “At a time when 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, this crisis requires a coordinated response across state agencies. We look forward to working with dementia services coordinators and other state policymakers to help people impacted by this devastating disease.”
Dementia services coordinators from 18 states and Washington, D.C. who have dementia as a core focus of their job responsibilities will gather to collaborate, share their experiences and discuss solutions to help the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their families. The DSC Summit is part of the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM’s ongoing efforts to work with state policymakers to improve the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
This year’s DSC Summit will explore how state officials can successfully incorporate dementia into state health assessments and aging plans, establish dementia-dedicated funding streams in state budgets, promote early detection and diagnosis, and support dementia care management.
“DSCs at state departments of health, aging and human services are often faced with an increasing list of challenges to solve and a decreasing amount of resources to get the job done, but they are essential to addressing the Alzheimer’s and dementia public health crisis,” said Jennifer Rosen, senior director, state affairs, Alzheimer’s Association and AIM. “The DSC Summit will support dementia services coordinators by highlighting challenges and proven solutions for addressing the needs of the Alzheimer’s and dementia community.”
In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion. The Alzheimer’s Association and AIM will continue to work with state policymakers to effectively implement policies to reduce the long-term impact of the disease on state budgets, while providing care and support to those living with the disease and their loved ones.
