Addressing the dementia public health crisis requires a coordinated response. State policymakers can take action by:

• Establishing or re-authorizing a statewide Alzheimer’s/dementia task force to support regular updates and implementation of a state Alzheimer’s/dementia plan.
• Establishing a permanent, full-time Dementia Services Coordinator position and/or Dementia Unit within the state agency to support implementation of the state Alzheimer’s/dementia plan and the coordination of dementia-specific programs.
• Ensuring the state health improvement plan (SHIP) includes the needs of individuals living with dementia and their families. 
• Improving the collection, availability and utilization of dementia-related data by relevant state agencies.
• Establishing or enhancing state funding for Alzheimer’s/dementia-specific research.