Press Release: 1/23/2025
Alzheimer's Association Introduces Comprehnsive Bill to Address Growing Alzheimer's and Dementia Crisis in Mass.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2025
Contact: Christina Lob,
Sr. Media Relations Manager,
cmlob@alz.org or 617.393.2173
BOSTON, MA – The Alzheimer’s Association last week filed a comprehensive bill, HD. 3983/SD.2319 An Act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia, to prepare Massachusetts for the future of Alzheimer’s care and treatment in a time of advancing research and rising prevalence, while providing necessary support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias represent a growing public health crisis, with more than 135,000 individuals currently living with the disease in Massachusetts – a number projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating a 25% increase in prevalence across the state over the next decade. This critical legislation, sponsored by Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) and Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), seeks to address this urgent issue.
“We are at the dawn of a new era in Alzheimer’s treatment, with FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies offering hope to millions. This bill will position the Commonwealth to respond to this new reality and support the thousands of families in our state impacted by this devastating disease,” said Chelsea Gordon, Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter. “Now is the time to take the next step to ensure our public health infrastructure can meet the growing demand for awareness, services, and care coordination.”
Key provisions of the proposed legislation would establish a Dementia Services Coordinator position at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, require the state to collect and report dementia-specific data, create an Alzheimer’s disease and dementia public awareness campaign, require dementia training for all first responders, require dementia care coordination services within some MassHealth plans, and provide additional support and rights for patients and caregivers when their loved one is hospitalized.
“I am proud that by filing this bill, we have taken the steps to follow the landmark Alzheimer’s legislation passed by the Legislature in 2018. That law demonstrated Massachusetts’ commitment to bettering the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease in our state and this new bill further demonstrates our continued efforts on that front,” said Rep. Gregoire. “Since 2018, we have been able to identify gaps in care that still exist and determine how to best prepare the Commonwealth for the future of Alzheimer’s, which unfortunately includes an increasing prevalence. I hope my colleagues in the Legislature will join me in supporting this important piece of legislation for families across Massachusetts who are facing Alzheimer’s or dementia.”
“This legislation is especially meaningful to me and my district as Hampden County has the second highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in Massachusetts. My constituents and residents across the state will be positively impacted by the improvements to care included in the legislation,” said Sen. Gomez. “ Increasing public awareness of this disease will help ensure that diverse communities, who are most at risk for developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, are better equipped to get the support they need.”
The Alzheimer’s Association will host its Massachusetts Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House on February 27, 2025. Advocates will rally to hear from state leaders about their efforts to better respond to Alzheimer's disease and ask lawmakers to support this comprehensive bill, along with other legislation to address this public health crisis. For more information visit alz.org/manh/events/massachusetts-advocacy-day.
About the 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. Visit alz.org or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.