Delaware State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In 2012, the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter coordinated a meeting with Governor Jack Markell, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services Rita Landgraf, and Director of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Bill Love to discuss the importance of mapping out a strategy to address Alzheimer’s disease in Delaware, including through the development of an Alzheimer’s state plan. The Alzheimer’s Association and DSAAPD established a Task Force of caregivers, advocates, and professionals representing a broad range of organizations. With support from DSAAPD staff, the Task Force published the Delaware State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in December 2013. Since the release of the Delaware State Plan, an Advisory Committee made up of a variety of stakeholders from the Alzheimer’s community has been meeting to oversee the Plan’s implementation.
Delaware 2026 Policy Priorities
Improve Access to Biomarker Testing
With the historic Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in the early stages, early detection and diagnosis are even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible. Biomarkers offer one of the most promising paths to improve dementia detection, diagnosis and treatment. Yet these critical tests remain out of reach for many as insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatments. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. Without this legislation, dementia diagnoses may take up to two years, increasing the long-term costs to the individual, family and the state.
Empowering First Responders with Dementia Training
First responders, such as law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and firefighters, often interact with people living with dementia while intervening in crisis or disaster situations. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia may present as uncooperative when they have difficulty communicating and understanding what is happening, and first responders may not know how to interact with individuals in these situations. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation requiring annual dementia training for law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Upcoming Events
Delaware State Advocacy Day
Join us in making a difference for Delawareans impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. On Advocacy Day, we’ll come together at the State Capitol to share powerful personal stories and urge legislators to support critical policy priorities that improve care and support for families across the state. Your voice matters — don’t miss this chance to make an impact.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Delaware
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
Contact Us
State Affairs Contact: Sean Dwyer
Phone: 215.399.9209
Email: stdwyer@alz.org
22,300
people living with Alzheimer’s in Delaware
32,000
Delawareans are providing unpaid care
$339 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2025)
295.5%
increase in Alzheimer’s deaths 2000-2022
12%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
158.8%
increase of geriatricians in Delaware needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Delaware
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how Delaware policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.