The Alzheimer’s Association recently brought together state dementia service coordinators (DSCs) from across the nation for the third annual State DSC Summit in Washington, D.C. These state agency officials, tasked with breaking down silos between departments to better coordinate the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia in their state, discussed innovative approaches and helpful resources to advance their work. One word came up throughout the two-day DSC Summit as key to these efforts: collaboration. By collaborating with other state agencies and policymakers, federal and local governments, universities, public health organizations, and others, dementia services coordinators are synchronizing the fight against dementia in states across the nation. 

For years, the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM have led efforts to support a coordinated statewide response and ensure each state has a plan to address Alzheimer’s and other dementia. As a result of these efforts, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico now have a state plan. 

But ensuring comprehensive implementation of these plans is equally important. That’s why we’ve been working to improve coordination across agencies by establishing a state agency role dedicated to that. So far, 28 states have established at least one staff position. 

Recognizing the critical importance of state DSCs, AIM also led the effort to bring together and connect these state agency officials from across the nation. On the first day of the DSC Summit, state DSCs were able to explore how to improve dementia care navigation in their state, work with universities and Areas on Aging to support those living with dementia and their caregivers, and integrate dementia risk reduction into broader public health efforts. During a breakout session, all of the state DSCs came together to share strategies on how to leverage dementia-specific work within state government amid challenging political and budget environments.

On the second day, attendees discussed dementia crisis response and ways to prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization, different approaches to establishing a statewide public awareness campaign, partnering with community health workers to bridge care transitions, and collaborating with state and local governments to advance health equity. Throughout the event, state DSCs engaged in active discussions, asking questions and providing guidance on their own experiences working to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia in their state.

The Alzheimer’s Association and AIM were proud to once again bring together state DSCs from across the country to share their experiences and discuss solutions that will lessen the burden for people impacted by this devastating disease. We look forward to working with state officials across the nation in the years ahead to find new ways to support the Alzheimer’s community. 

Learn more about how AIM is impacting policy in your state.