Increase Access to Early Diagnosis by Establishing the Nevada Memory Network
Currently, only 50% of those living with Alzheimer's disease receive a formal diagnosis. To better support Nevadans with cognitive impairment and their families, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging legislators to establish the Nevada Memory Network (NMN). This system of care in Nevada is vital to ensuring access to early and accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The NMN will not only expand access to clinical diagnostic services, but serve as a training center for primary care providers. Once diagnosed through the NMN, participants will be followed by trained Care Team Navigators to connect participants and their caregivers with community resources and to support implementation of their care plans.
Strengthen Nevada’s Medicaid Program to Support Dementia Family Caregivers
While Nevada offers home and community-based services (HCBS) through the Medicaid program, many people with dementia may not be able to choose their caregiver. Nevada’s home and community-based waivers must be enhanced to allow payments to be made to family caregivers, including legally responsible individuals (LRIs). The Alzheimer’s Association is urging legislators to support forthcoming legislation to strengthen Nevada's Medicaid program: streamlining the process to pay family caregivers and designating LRIs, including spouses, to be paid caregivers. provide financial support for family caregivers, including Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs), such as a spouse.
Strengthen Nevada’s Dementia Care Network
In Nevada, there are 48,000 family caregivers who provide an estimated 78 million hours of uncompensated care annually, yet many do not know where to turn when they have questions or need additional services or support. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state policymakers appropriate funds to establish Dementia Care Specialists across the state. The Dementia Care Specialists will provide families with dementia-specific case management, provide tips and support to caregivers, & improve care coordination and transitions. Further, they will be able to provide community education and mobilize dementia-specific community resources and supports.
Nevada State Plan Overview
The Nevada state legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 10 in 2011, creating the Legislative Committee on Health Care's Task Force to Develop a State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. The Committee included a state Senator as chair and medical experts, advocates, and other key stakeholders. After soliciting public feedback, the State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease was published in January 2013. The Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease (TFAD) was created within the Department of Health and Human Services with the passage of Assembly Bill 80 in the 2013 Legislative Session. The Task Force is responsible for implementing the State Plan.
Nevada State Advocacy Day
April 12, 2022
Join fellow Alzheimer’s advocates to rally state lawmakers to establish a Nevada Memory Network, strengthen financial supports for caregivers, and establish Dementia Care Specialist positions. Advocates will come together to hear from state leaders, understand the Alzheimer’s Association’s leading asks during the legislative session and meet with state legislators to share their story and urge support of these critical priorities. Never advocated before? No problem! We’ll train you and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions before meeting with state officials.
