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State Budget Released by Governor Newsom Prioritizes 2.3 Million Californians Directly Impacted by Alzheimer’s and all Dementia

State Budget Released by Governor Newsom Prioritizes 2.3 Million Californians Directly Impacted by Alzheimer’s and all Dementia
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January 8, 2021
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Contacts: Susan DeMarois 
916.502.1502 
Jared Giarrusso 
650.619.3789 
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Alzheimer’s Association Applauds Important Focus on Equity, Education & Leadership 

Sacramento, CA – Today, Governor Newsom demonstrated his commitment to the Master Plan for Aging and the work of the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force by proposing $17 million in new one-time funding for targeted initiatives benefiting Californians with dementia and their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association was proud to partner with the Governor, former First Lady Maria Shriver and Cabinet leaders to deliver key recommendations outlined in today’s budget for consideration by the California Legislature. 

The FY 2021-2022 proposed state budget reimagines the delivery of Alzheimer’s care and support in California. The Governor, Department of Finance and California Health and Human Services Agency focus on three essential themes: 

Equity – Blacks, Latinx and women have higher Alzheimer’s prevalence rates 
$4 million for targeted Alzheimer’s research focused on women and people of color who are disproportionately impacted by the disease and who have historically been underrepresented in research. 

Education – A substantial portion of those who would meet the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's and other dementias are not diagnosed by a physician 
  • $5 million for a public education campaign centered on brain health. Over 60% of Californians have not talked to a health professional about cognitive decline. 
  • $4 million to launch a new caregiver training and certification program. California caregivers provide over 1.8 billion hours of support annually to family members with dementia. 
  • $2 million to promote a statewide standard of dementia care for health care providers 
  • $2 million to engage dementia friendly communities where all people can live, age and thrive 
Leadership – Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative diseases that touches multiple state agencies and more than a dozen departments 
  • Acommitment to establish a Senior Advisor position in the Governor’s office to lead on aging, disability and Alzheimer’s disease. 
  • $5 million to further implement the Master Plan for Aging and continue the laudable public and stakeholder engagement process. 
In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association commends the Governor and his Administration for proposing significant investments in key programs serving all older Californians and people with disabilities, including Medi-Cal (CalAIM), In-Home Supportive Services, Geriatric Workforce Development, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Local Behavioral Health Grants and a pioneering approach to explore Medicare integration and innovation – a concept that can only enhance quality of life for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (97 percent of whom are eligible for Medicare). 

California holds the distinction of being the state with the largest older adult population and the most people living with Alzheimer’s and all dementia. These numbers are projected to increase by double digits over the next decade, requiring critical investments today to prepare our state for future growth. With rising numbers come rising costs -- unless California doubles down on risk reduction, early intervention and care coordination. The Alzheimer’s Association has worked tirelessly to promote a dignified diagnosis and care management for all Californians living with dementia. Our expert staff and dedicated volunteers are eager to advance these principles in this budget and through legislation. 

This budget moves California in the right direction. The Alzheimer’s Association looks forward to the Legislature enacting these budget proposals, not for the Agencies or Departments they will fund, but for the 2.3 million Californians directly impacted by Alzheimer’s who will see improvements in their daily lives if adopted. 
 

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.

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