Task force proposes new strategies to expand Alzheimer's care and research in Alabama
Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)
A state committee looking into research and innovation for Alzheimer's disease treatments Monday discussed the need to assess current funding and enhancing investment in Alzheimer's research, as well as ideas to better connect researchers with colleagues and patients.
'The numbers are increasing all the time in the state of people who are suffering from this disease. So, it's all about prevention, early detection (and) getting people care,' Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, said after the meeting.
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The task force, established in 2023 by a House Joint Resolution, is tasked with establishing recommendations on how to improve the state's care system for Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. The task force is expected to present a plan before the end of the current session, likely in May, at which time the task force will be dissolved. Shaver indicated that a permanent committee may be needed to carry out the recommendations.
Alabama task force charts five-year plan to tackle Alzheimer's disease
Members of the task force also discussed establishing a grant program for Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases. Other states have implemented some funding mechanisms. Shaver cited a Georgia's tax check-off program as an idea, which directs state income tax donations toward Alzheimer's research and care initiatives.
'It took $4.12 million to establish five memory assessment clinics in Georgia, and they've since expanded to eight clinics with an annual budget of $7.12 million,' Shaver said, adding that it came out to about $15,000 to treat one patient.
Another concern was improving access to care, particularly for rural and underserved populations.
'Not everybody can travel up to Birmingham for an assessment,' Shaver said. 'I can tell you my personal story with my sister. When she came to Alabama because of her health condition two and a half years ago and then trying to get her diagnosed. We were going to every different kind of doctor.'
The subcommittee looked at potential solutions, including creating an Alzheimer's research work group to connect researchers across the state and launching a centralized website for clinical trial opportunities. The subcommittee also proposed forming a data work group to gather and analyze statewide Alzheimer's-related information aimed at increasing data availability.
The full task force is expected to convene by the end of March to review and decide on recommendations for Alabama's statewide Alzheimer's plan to present to Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature.
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