DES MOINES, IOWA (January 29, 2024) — On Monday, February 12, dozens of Alzheimer’s Association advocates from across the state will gather at the Iowa State Capitol to ask their state legislators to support two important priorities that will improve Alzheimer’s and dementia early-detection, diagnosis, and care for individuals living with the disease and their families in all Iowa communities. They will convene in the rotunda at the Capitol and meet with their legislators 1–4PM.
The two legislative priorities:
· Strengthen Iowa’s Dementia Services Network by placing a Dementia Service Specialist (DSS) at each of the six Area Agencies on Aging. A DSS can provide care-planning services; perform memory screenings and give referrals to a doctor; train local business and community organizations to become “dementia-friendly” and connect those living with dementia and their care partners with services unique to their communities, like support groups and respite care.
· Improve Early Detection and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s — Ensure Access to Biomarker Testing in Iowa — Biomarkers offer one of the most promising paths to improve dementia detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Yet these critical tests remain out of reach for many as insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatments. Advocates are asking legislators to require appropriate coverage for biomarker testing to support the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and remove barriers that prevent people living with dementia from benefiting from biomarker testing.
Advocates from across the state will come together at the capitol to talk with their legislators about these priorities and why they’re so important for families like theirs. One of these advocates is Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell, who is an Alzheimer’s advocate in honor of his wife, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in February 2022. He is a strong supporter of these legislative priorities and has been instrumental in making progress towards funding the Dementia Service Specialist program in Iowa. Brownell is also a board member on the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter board of directors.
To learn more and register for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Day on the Hill visit p2a.co/iwNVbvI, and to become an Alzheimer’s advocate, visit alzimpact.org.
Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
