Oregon State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
The State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease in Oregon (SPADO) Task Force was formed in 2010, coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter. The Task Force included state government agencies, academic researchers, health care providers, family caregivers, state legislators and nonprofit organizations. Charged with drafting recommendations to address the most critical needs of Oregonians impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, the Task Force gathered public input to inform the proposed recommendations. The State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Oregon was published in July 2012 and signed by Governor John Kitzhaber. In March 2013, the Oregon legislature endorsed SPADO by unanimously supporting Senate Concurrent Resolution 1. The SPADO Steering Committee works with public and private sector stakeholders to improve the state's response to community needs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and implement the recommendations provided in the state plan.
Oregon 2025 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.
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Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
79,100
people living with Alzheimer’s in Oregon
170,000
Oregonians are providing unpaid care
$253 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
2,047
deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021
17%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
236.2%
increase of geriatricians in Oregon needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Oregon
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 Oregon policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.