West Virginia State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In 2011, the West Virginia legislature directed and funded the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the needs, challenges and issues facing West Virginians living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families through the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 38. Three work groups spearheaded development of policy and program recommendations to improve the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s in West Virginia. The work groups included health care providers, families impacted by Alzheimer’s, public health officials, state legislators, and researchers as well as representatives from local businesses, long-term care providers, state agencies and community organizations. In December 2011, the state Alzheimer’s plan, Make a Plan for Alzheimer’s in West Virginia, was published to serve as an essential guide for policymakers.
West Virginia 2025 Policy Priorities
Strengthen West Virginia’s Response to Alzheimer’s
West Virginia is home to over 38,000 individuals living with Alzheimer's and 65,000 unpaid caregivers. As the population with dementia grows, a robust statewide response is needed to mitigate the impact. While progress is beginning through the convening of the Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council established in 2024, additional action is needed. The Alzheimer's Association is calling on state policymakers to strengthen West Virginia's capacity to serve individuals with dementia through enhanced data collection and infrastructure that will support implementation of emerging recommendations.
West Virginia State Advocacy Day
Join advocates from across the state on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 to share your story and urge lawmakers to support our legislative priorities that will influence meaningful change for West Virginians impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Make a difference by lifting your voice and inspiring action!
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in West Virginia
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
38,100
people living with Alzheimer’s in West Virginia
65,000
West Virginians are providing unpaid care
$445 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
851
deaths from Alzheimer’s in 2021
15%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
418.8%
increase of geriatricians in West Virginia needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in West Virginia
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 West Virginia policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.