Advance Risk Reduction, Early Detection, Diagnosis and Care Planning
Greater awareness of the risk factors and warning signs for Alzheimer’s and other dementia is critical. Nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s before having symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities. Yet 55% of primary care physicians caring for people living with Alzheimer’s report there are not enough dementia care specialists in their communities to meet patient demand. An early and accurate diagnosis can improve access to care and support services, enhance quality of life and significantly reduce the financial impact of dementia.
Enhance Care and Support in Community
The total lifetime cost of care for someone living with dementia is estimated at more than $400,000 with 70% of these costs borne by family caregivers through unpaid caregiving and out-of-pocket expenses. Ensuring adequate access to home and community-based services (HCBS), improving care coordination, and streamlining the delivery of care for individuals living with dementia will mitigate the long-term impact on state budgets and improve the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.
Put all the party stuff to the side — [Alzheimer’s] is a purple issue, and we need to get ahead of the tsunami that’s coming.
—Tonya M., Connecticut
Ensure Access to Diagnostics and Treatment
More than 9 in 10 Americans would “definitely” or “probably” want a simple medical test — such as a blood biomarker test — if it was available. More than 90% of Americans said they would “definitely” or “probably” want to take a medication that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s following a diagnosis. With Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in the early stages, access to diagnostics and treatment are even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible.
Support Quality Care
States across the nation are experiencing an unprecedented health care workforce shortage. Over 860,000 additional direct care workers are estimated to be needed by 2032 — more new workers than in any other single occupation in the United States. Quality care delivered by trained providers leads to better health outcomes for individuals and caregivers, puts less strain on state health systems, and reduces care costs through decreased readmissions rates to hospitals. Ensuring systems of care consider the needs of people living with dementia will help to avoid crises and improve the delivery of care.
Build a State Government Infrastructure
For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s in America exceeds 7 million. As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, so will the impact on state health systems, budgets and workforce. Numerous state agencies administer a variety of programs critical to people with dementia and their families. Efforts are often siloed with state agencies working separately from each other, leading to inaction and inertia. Addressing this public health crisis requires a coordinated response.
Alzheimer’s Policy in the States
Across the nation AIM advocates are working to advance public policies to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Learn about Alzheimer’s policies and advocacy in your state.
Resources to Drive Change in Your State
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, the role state government can play in addressing these issues, and how you can help drive change.
Maryland’s Advocates Achieve Legislative Wins
Thanks to our hardworking advocates in states like Maryland, AIM is leading the way to pass laws that improve the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers. In Maryland’s 2022 legislative session, advocates worked to develop, introduce and grow support for several bills that became laws.
Be a Champion in the Fight to End Alzheimer’s
Our voices are stronger together. Help AIM advance legislation to improve the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
- Share your story with elected officials
- Engage on social media
- Write a letter to the editor