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Legislation reintroduced to improve diagnosis of Alzheimer's and strengthen care planning

Legislation reintroduced to improve diagnosis of Alzheimer's and strengthen care planning
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April 10, 2013
Email: media@alz.org
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Legislation reintroduced to improve diagnosis of Alzheimer's and strengthen care planning

As the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, the Alzheimer's Association applauds the reintroduction of the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act represents a critical effort to ensure individuals receive a timely and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and that newly diagnosed individuals and their families have access to information, resources and support services. The Alzheimer's Association commends Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) for their leadership in reintroducing this important bipartisan legislation.

"Early detection and diagnosis are key to accessing available treatments and resources and participating in clinical trials," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association's vice president of public policy. "Equally important, when people with Alzheimer's are diagnosed in the early stage of the disease and able to participate in the planning process, we see increased quality of life for everyone."

The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act is consistent with the unanimous recommendations of the National Alzheimer's Plan Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; educate and support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families upon diagnosis; and enhance assistance for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers to prepare for care needs.

Alzheimer's and other dementias are common, costly, and often unrecognized problem in older adults. According to the Alzheimer's Association 2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, as many as half of those people living with Alzheimer's never received a diagnosis. Yet, nearly 90 percent of Americans want to know if the cause of their confusion or memory problems is Alzheimer's disease, according to a survey of public perceptions and awareness of Alzheimer's disease conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. A formal, documented diagnosis is the first step in making proactive care, financial and legal decisions, rather than waiting until the throes of a crisis when options are often limited.

"Studies have shown that the ability to educate oneself and plan for the future is a tremendous asset in anticipating challenges and reducing anxiety, depression and stress," said Egge. "As the National Alzheimer's Plan works to meet its aggressive timeline to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025, it is critical that we measurably improve the care for the millions of Americans touched by the disease now."

The Alzheimer's Association is grateful to Sen. Stabenow for crafting this legislation and Sen. Collins and Reps. Markey and Smith, who also serve as chairs of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. Their sustained leadership on advancing issues that are critical to the growing Alzheimer's community is vital and appreciated. The Alzheimer's Association urges members of Congress to co-sponsor and support this important legislation.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead 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®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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