Equip Physicians with Dementia-Training to Increase Timely Diagnosis and Improve Care
Approximately 50% of people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias never receive a formal diagnosis. This limits their ability to engage in care planning and access available resources. Physicians and other medical professionals are on the front lines in addressing this critical issue, but we must ensure they have the training they need to make a diagnosis or referral to best serve their patient. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state legislators to support Senate Bill 48 to establish dementia training standards for physicians, physician assistants and social workers. With this change, more Californians with memory issues can be appropriately screened for cognitive impairment.
California State Plan Overview
In 2008, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 491 calling for the development of a state plan. Under the direction of the California Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Committee, established within the California Health and Human Services Agency, a task force was created including representatives from state agencies, community organizations, under-represented communities, and academia as well as health care providers, caregivers, and individuals living with the disease. After incorporating public feedback to address California's culturally diverse population, the Task Force published California's State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease: An Action Plan for 2011-2021 in early 2011.
California State Advocacy Day
March 04, 2021
This year our California State Advocacy Day is everywhere! Please join us on March 4th and 5th, 2021, as we advocate with our state legislators. While advocacy day, and our state legislature may look different this year, our determination to make a difference will always be the same. Register for more information and to join the fight to ensure everyone in California living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can receive a timely diagnosis.
