West Virginia
Increase Public Awareness, Early Detection And Diagnosis
Recognize Alzheimer's as a Public Health Crisis in West Virginia
Our state has a critical need for increased public knowledge and awareness of the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as education on brain health and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis. Alzheimer's is more than an aging issue, with effects spanning the lifespan of both those living with a diagnosis and their unpaid caregivers and family members. We advocate for a resolution sounding the alarm of Alzheimer's as a Public Health Crisis in WV. We are asking for a House (HCR 48) and Senate Resolution urging the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health to designate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as a public health issue.
West Virginia State Plan Overview
In 2011, the West Virginia legislature directed and funded the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the needs, challenges, and issues facing West Virginians living with Alzheimer's disease and their families through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 38. Three work groups spearheaded development of policy and program recommendations. The work groups included health care providers, families impacted by Alzheimer's, public health officials, state legislators, and researchers as well as representatives from local businesses, long-term care providers, state agencies, and community organizations. In December 2011, the state Alzheimer's plan, Make a Plan for Alzheimer's in West Virginia was published.
West Virginia State Advocacy Day
February 05, 2019
Join a passionate and informed group of diverse advocates coming together to turn the state Capital purple and speak to our legislators about the Alzheimer's Crisis in WV.
2020 Advocacy Forum
March 22-24, 2020 alz.org/forum
As an Alzheimer's advocate, you've worked to advance critical public policy, making a difference in the lives of all those impacted by Alzheimer's. Together we've achieved great increases in federal Alzheimer's research funding and secured critical advances in care and support. But we can't take our successes for granted — we need to keep the pressure on.
Join us in Washington for an inspiring three-day event filled with networking, training and education.
Be part of the movement that's making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Sign Up to Learn More About Advocacy Opportunities in West Virginia
State Affairs Contact Carolyn Canini | (304)343-2717 | [email protected]
Elected Officials
Enter your address here to see your elected officials' positions on Alzheimer's and ways you can contact them to support the Alzheimer's community.
Number of People Aged 65 and Older With Alzheimer's by Age
| Year | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85+ | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6,500 | 17,000 | 15,000 | 38,000 |
| 2025 | 7,400 | 21,000 | 16,000 | 44,000 |
Percentage change from 2019
Medicaid
$430
MILLION
Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer's (2019)
19.7%
change in costs from 2019 to 2025
Medicare
$23,669
per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia (in 2018 dollars)
HOSPICE (2016)
#
of people in hospice have a primary diagnosis of dementia
of people in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
Hospitals (2015)
#
of emergency department visits per 1,000 people with dementia
dementia patient hospital readmission rate
Caregiving
Number of Caregivers
Total Hours of Unpaid Care
Total Value of Unpaid Care
Higher Health Costs of Caregivers
Number of Deaths from Alzheimer's Disease (2017)
For more information, view the 2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report at alz.org/facts.
U.S. Statistics
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and as many as 14 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated to total $290 billion in 2019, increasing to $1.1 trillion (in today's dollars) by mid-century. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer's or another dementia.