Arkansas State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In 2009, the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas was established via House Bill 1014 to bring together caregivers, public health officials, patient advocates, and community leaders to tackle a range of issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and the state. After collecting public feedback to inform the plan's recommendations, in 2011 the Task Force published the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas Final Report. In 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly approved a measure that created a permanent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council in the state. The Council is charged with updating the current Alzheimer’s and Dementia State Disease Plan and working with key stakeholders to ensure that the plan is implemented.
In 2022, the Council released the updated Alzheimer’s and Dementia Arkansas State Plan. The updated State Plan establishes recommendations for prioritizing the state’s response to Alzheimer’s. Among the recommendations are permanently reauthorizing the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Committee; conducting a statewide needs assessment to determine the capacity, availability, cost, and quality of existing dementia care options; and expanding in-home and facility-based respite services for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia.
Arkansas 2025 Policy Priorities
Expand Access to Alzheimer’s Treatments for State Employees
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Alzheimer’s treatments that slow the progression of the disease, state governments have a duty to ensure access to these treatments in Medicaid and other state programs, such as state employee health plans. With the growing number of people in Arkansas living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia growing each year, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to pass House Bill 1055 to establish coverage of the approved treatments for state and public school employees.
Support Dementia Caregivers Through Respite Care
More than 155,000 caregivers in Arkansas provided $270 million of unpaid care in 2024, often enabling their loved ones living with dementia to live in the community instead of moving into more costly residential long-term care. However, over half of the caregivers in Arkansas are living with chronic health conditions. Respite care provides necessary relief to family caregivers, allowing the caregiver to take care of their personal medical issues, complete tasks outside the home, or simply enjoy time off from the demands of caregiving. The Alzheimer's Association is urging state lawmakers to make the successful dementia respite pilot program permanent with a $300,000 state appropriation, ensuring caregivers can continue accessing this vital support that reduces burnout, helps families stay together, and delays the need for institutional care.
Spread Awareness of Alzheimer’s Across Arkansas
With current promising treatments only effective in the early stages of the disease, getting an early diagnosis is more important than ever. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation to enhance the collaboration between the Department of Public Health and Department of Human Services to raise awareness about brain health, risk reduction, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis to improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Arkansas State Advocacy Day
Join us for a powerful day of action and awareness as we highlight the impact Alzheimer’s and dementia have on Arkansas families. Connect with policymakers, learn about the Alzheimer’s Association’s legislative priorities, and engage in meaningful advocacy to support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Your voice matters in shaping policies that improve care and provide critical resources for families.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Arkansas
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer's Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
60,400
people living with Alzheimer’s in Arkansas
155,000
Arkansans are providing unpaid care
$396 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
262.6%
increase in Alzheimer’s deaths 2000-2021
18%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
143.6%
increase of geriatricians in Arkansas needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Arkansas
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how Arkansas policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.