Arizona-Specific Data Is Key to Our Cognitive Health Future
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (BRFSS) is a key component of our public health agenda as the data gathered will inform how Arizonans are impacted by cognitive decline and family caregiving responsibilities. SB1126 appropriates $160,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2021-2022 to the Arizona Department of Health Services for the purpose of funding the Caregiver and Cognitive Decline Modules in the BRFSS.
Empower Police Offices with Dementia Training
Police officers are critical to the safety of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. They frequently interact with individuals impacted with dementia in a variety of settings and are among the first to observe instances of abuse and neglect. Without proper training on how to recognize the signs of dementia and how to effectively communicate and interact with people with dementia, situations may escalate quickly with potentially dangerous consequences. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the Arizona Department of Public Safety and multiple police departments throughout the state to establish a practical curriculum police departments tools to train officers on techniques to engage individuals with dementia including specific behavior symptoms, effective communication strategies, protocols for contacting caregivers and available local resources.
Update the Arizona Alzheimer’s State Plan
Today, numerous Arizona state agencies and community members administer a variety of programs critical to people living with dementia, including respite care, dementia education, and oversees adult day centers, assisted living, nursing home care, as well as licensing for health care professionals. However, these efforts are often siloed, with multiple organizations and state agencies working separately from one another. Arizona needs an updated State Alzheimer’s Plan bringing all of the key state officials and private-sector stakeholders together to outline a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing Alzheimer’s. Notably, Arizona must first conduct a needs assessment to better align policy actions with the needs of Arizonans with dementia, their families and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association will urge the Governor and state legislature to reignite a State Plan Committee as a first step in developing a new State Alzheimer’s Plan.
Continue the Commitment to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research In Arizona
More than 150,000 Arizonans are living with Alzheimer’s, and by 2050, the number of people with the disease is set to nearly triple. With Alzheimer's costing the Arizona Medicaid Program over $400 million in 2020 (a figure expected to increase over 30% in 5 years), it is more urgent than ever that the state prioritize Alzheimer's research. The Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium is a leading model of statewide collaboration in Alzheimer’s disease research. The Alzheimer’s Association will engage the Arizona Governor to ensure state funding is allocated to Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Arizona must continue its commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia by continuing to dedicate $2 million in state funding for Alzheimer’s research in the upcoming fiscal years.
Arizona State Plan Overview
The Arizona Alzheimer's Task Force was established in 2011 as a collaboration of the Governor's Office on Aging, the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Aging and Adult Services, the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, and the Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter. The goal was to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, both public and private, to develop a plan to address the growing number of Arizonans with Alzheimer's disease. In 2015, the Task Force published the Arizona Alzheimer's State Plan: A Framework for Action, which was developed through the cooperation of more than 100 community members.
Arizona State Advocacy Day
March 02, 2021
Arizona has the fastest growth rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the country. Join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates for the 5th Annual Arizona Alzheimer’s State Day virtual event. Join us for an exciting day of virtual advocacy urging Arizona’s state legislators to support people with dementia and their families. We will have a series of informative and engaging virtual events that will mix storytelling, advocacy training and direct engagement with your state government officials. And we will all wear purple to unify us in our virtual efforts!
