Washington, D.C., October 25, 2022 — Today, the Alzheimer’s Association kicked off the inaugural State Dementia Services Coordinator (DSC) Summit in Washington, D.C., taking the next step in their ongoing efforts to work with state policymakers to improve the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. This inaugural event brings together state agency officials from 26 states and the District of Columbia to collaborate, share their experiences and discuss solutions to help the 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
“On behalf of the Alzheimer’s and dementia community, thank you to the Dementia Services Coordinators from across the nation for joining us in Washington, D.C.,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) executive director. “We are deeply dedicated to advancing policies that improve the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in states throughout the country.”
“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most critical public health issues in America, with one in three seniors dying with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. We are proud to host the first annual State Dementia Services Coordinator Summit and bring together these officials from across the country who share our commitment to helping people impacted by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” said Jennifer Rosen, senior director state affairs, Alzheimer’s Association and AIM. “The Alzheimer’s Association will continue working with these officials and other policymakers to address the dementia crisis and ensure there is a coordinated state-wide response to Alzheimer’s in every state.”
Alzheimer’s and other dementia have a growing impact on state health systems, budgets, and workforces. By 2050, the number of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach nearly 13 million. In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost American taxpayers $321 billion, and the cost is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050.
State governments are essential to addressing the growing Alzheimer’s and dementia public health crisis. The Alzheimer’s Association and AIM work with state policymakers to effectively implement policies to reduce the long-term impact of the disease on state budgets and improve the lives of everyone impacted by dementia.
A coordinated response across state agencies and divisions within state government will strengthen their ability to address the Alzheimer’s and dementia crisis. Dementia services coordinators are state agency officials who have dementia as a core focus of their job responsibilities and who will lead efforts to enhance coordination by supporting the implementation of dementia-specific policies across state agencies.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer’s Impact Movement®
The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) is a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate of the Alzheimer’s Association. AIM works to develop and advance policies to overcome Alzheimer’s disease through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support. For more information, visit alzimpact.org.
