We are pleased to announce that the state of Ohio has taken a major step forward in the creation of an Alzheimer's State Plan. Gov Mike Dewine appointed 11 individuals to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Task Force, which will be given the responsibility of creating a comprehensive plan focused on improving care, support and resources for those living with Alzheimer's and other dementia in Ohio.
Those appointed to the Task Force include:
* Trey Addison of New Albany (Franklin Co.) - State Public Policy Director for the Alzheimer's Association.
* E. Douglas Beach of Northfield (Summit Co.) - CEO of Western Reserve AAA
* Jennifer K. Blough of Dublin (Franklin Co.) - Caregiver and Alzheimer's advocate
* Kathryn L. Brod of Columbus (Franklin Co.) - President of LeadingAge Ohio
* Bonnie K. Burman of New Albany (Franklin Co.) - Former director of the Ohio Department of Aging
* Varun Mahajan of Powell (Delaware Co.) - CEO of Mahajan Therapeutics
* Joseph Russell of London (Madison Co.) - Executive Director of Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice
* Melissa A. Schiffel of Galena (Delaware Co.) Delaware County Prosecutor
* Lori Stevic-Rust of Chesterland (Geauga Co.) - Clinical Health Psychologist and Author
* Jean Thompson of Columbus (Franklin Co.) - Executive Director of the Ohio Assisted Living Association
* Peter Van Runkle of New Albany (Franklin Co.) Executive Director of Ohio Health Care Association
Unanimously approved by the Ohio General Assembly last fall, the process will lead to an official plan of action to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Ohio. Among the issues the Alzheimer’s plan will address include the importance of early detection and diagnosis, resources for caregiver support, quality of care and safety.
“Alzheimer’s is not just an aging issue, it’s a public health issue, and Ohio is moving forward to combat the disease,” said Mr. Addison,
Approximately 220,000 Ohioans live with Alzheimer’s, a fatal progressive brain disease with no known cure, effective treatment or way to slow its progression. For each person with Alzheimer’s, there are 2-3 caregivers - making an estimated 1 million Ohioans directly affected by the disease. By 2025, an estimated 250,000 Ohioans aged 65 and over will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – a 13.6 percent increase. Last year, Medicaid costs associated with Alzheimer’s stood at a staggering $2.36 billion.
To connect with the Alzheimer’s Association visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.