Alzheimer's Advocacy in

Take Action! Become an Advocate

Addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis is as much a matter of public policy as scientific discovery, and we need your help to change the future of this devastating disease. As an advocate, you will be invited to engage public officials and policymakers in a variety of ways, urging their support for critical Alzheimer's legislation and policy changes.

Become a part of our advocate community today.

Current Action Alerts

Policies

Federal Policy

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that cannot be ignored by federal policymakers. Our goal is to see that the federal government takes bold action now to confront this growing crisis. Urge your elected officials to enact public policies that provide better health and long-term coverage to ensure high-quality, cost-effective care for the millions of people who face this disease every day. Learn more

State Policy

State governments are increasingly on the front lines in addressing health issues facing America. As a result, every state must tackle Alzheimer's not only as an aging issue but also as a public health crisis. Alzheimer's Association chapters across the nation work with state officials to determine regulatory and statutory standards for dementia training, provide access to respite care, designate spending for state long-term care services, control Medicaid spending, and in a variety of other ways to provide care and support for those facing this dreaded disease.

>> Learn More About State Policy Priorities

State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine

We are exicted to announce the release of the first ever State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine. The plan is a result of a state taskforce that was convened by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to LD 859, legislation sponsored by State Sen. Margaret Craven of Lewiston, which was signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage in June 2011. Maine’s Office of Elder Services partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter to recruit additional stakeholders to serve on workgroups to develop the plan over an 11-month period. Individuals from across the state were involved, including family and professional caregivers. The Maine State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias will help guide our response to meeting the needs of individuals and their families affected by mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia today, tomorrow and into the next decade.

>> READ the State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine.

This legislative session we have supported the following bills that directly correspond with our State Plan:

LD 442: An Act to Create a Family Caregiver Income Tax Credit

“The costs of caring for a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can have striking effects on a household. These costs can jeopardize the ability to buy food, leading to food insecurity and increasing the risks of poor nutrition and hunger. In addition, the costs can make it more difficult for individuals and families to maintain their own health and financial security. Better solutions are needed now.”

>> Read our Public Testimony for LD 442 in its entirety

LD 1097: An Act to Develop and Distribute Work Training Pamphlets to Educate State Agencies, Private Businesses and other Organizations about Dementia

“We often say, ‘You can try and ignore this disease but it will not ignore you.’  Dispelling misinformation, stigma and encouraging early diagnosis is crucial to combat this devastating disease. LD 1097 aims to do just that.”

>> Read our Public Testimony for LD 1097 in its entirety

LD 1314: Resolve, To Improve Access to Neurobehavioral Services

“Smooth transitions between care settings and coordination among health and long-term care service providers are essential to ensure high quality, cost efficient care, particularly given the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”

>> Read our Public Testimony for LD 1314 in its entirety

LD 1466: An Act To Address Severe and Ongoing Shortfalls in the Funding of Direct Care Workers in Long-term Care Settings and To Establish the Commission To Study Long-term Care Workforce Issues

“LD 1466’s call for wage increases for direct care workers will help us fill the ranks and improve access and quality of care here in Maine, and ultimately rein in costs across the state.”

>> Read our Public Testimony for LD 1466 in its entirety

We are currently working with house leadership on legislation that would provide paid leave for family caregivers. Stay tuned for more details.