Incorporate Alzheimer’s Disease in Public Awareness Campaigns 

Washington is home to over 126,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s and many more have multiple risk factors. However, recent research from the Alzheimer’s Association U.S. POINTER Study demonstrates that lifestyle interventions — including healthy nutrition, physical exercise, cognitive engagement, and health monitoring — can significantly support brain health. It is critical that residents across the state understand the importance of brain health, risk reduction strategies and early detection and diagnosis to improve their health and care. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to enact legislation that incorporates Alzheimer’s and dementia into existing public health outreach programs to increase public awareness and empower individuals to take charge of their health.

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.