WASHINGTON, D.C., October 28, 2019 - The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) are celebrating the inclusion of the key provisions of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) by the House of Representatives
"Too often, people living with younger-onset Alzheimer's have been unable to access fundamental programs and services because of their age," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM executive director. "We are grateful to the cosponsors of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act and the House of Representatives for voting today to ensure individuals living with younger-onset dementia and their caregivers have access to these services."
The Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act (H.R. 1903/S. 901) was introduced by Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.), Pete King (R-N.Y.), David Trone (D-Md.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.), and Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in March, and endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association and AIM. Advocates held hundreds of meetings with members of Congress to grow bipartisan support for the bill, leading to 216 House and 36 Senate cosponsors.
Since 1965, the OAA has provided support to America's seniors in their homes and communities by organizing and delivering nutritional programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder-abuse prevention and caregiver support. However, only those over the age of 60 are OAA-eligible, leaving Americans living with younger-onset Alzheimer's unable to access the vital OAA-funded programs and services that older Americans rely on.
The reauthorization of the OAA includes the key provisions from the Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act, including providing access to support services including nutritional services, supportive services, and respite care through the National Family Caregiver Support program.
"Today's action by the House is an important step to ensure individuals living with younger-onset Alzheimer's have access to critical support services," said Egge.
In June, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee included elements of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act in its draft language of the Older Americans Act reauthorization bill. The Alzheimer's Association and AIM will continue to work with lawmakers to continue to build bipartisan support for the Senate bill and ensure it is signed into law.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
