Louisiana State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
![Doctor with patient and family](/https/alzimpact.org/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2022/08/02/Doctor%20with%20Patient%20and%20Family.jpg?itok=rGuTn0VK)
In 2008, the Louisiana Legislature created the Louisiana Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force through the enactment of Senate Concurrent Resolution 80 to study the impact of Alzheimer's within the state and make recommendations to meet the growing issues presented by the disease. The Task Force included representatives from state agencies, care associations, long-term care providers, and community organizations as well as caregivers, state legislators, and individuals directly impacted by the disease. The Task Force presented their final report, The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease in Louisiana: A Report by the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force, to the Louisiana Legislature and Governor's Office in October 2009. Following receipt of a federal BOLD grant, Well-Ahead Louisiana, a chronic disease prevention and health care access initiative of the Louisiana Department of Health, published an update to the state plan for 2023-2028. The state plan encompasses four issue areas, each containing specific goals aimed at tackling the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Louisiana 2024 Policy Priorities
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Ensure Louisiana is Prepared to Address Alzheimer’s
With over 94,000 Louisianans living with Alzheimer’s, a robust statewide response is needed to mitigate the impact of the disease. To ensure Louisiana is well-equipped to support people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state officials to establish a permanent Alzhemer’s Council and codify the Louisiana Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan into law with regular updates. Engaging stakeholders in the state plan process and updating the Louisiana-specific plan provides state agency officials with clear direction on how to address this public health crisis and ensures a continued and coordinated focus on dementia.
![Hispanic Doctor w Patient](/https/alzimpact.org/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2022/08/02/Hispanic%20Doctor%20w%20Patient.jpeg?itok=ryRoPYFI)
Equip Adult Protective Services Workers with Dementia Training
Adult Protective Services (APS) workers are often called to address crisis situations or during times of distress. They frequently interact with individuals living with dementia in a variety of settings and are among the first to observe and intervene in instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation. To best serve and protect individuals living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state officials to update training standards for APS and Elderly Protective Services workers to ensure they receive one hour of dementia training within 90 days of hire to recognize the signs of dementia and one hour of continuing education annually for existing workers.
Spread Dementia Awareness Across Louisiana
With a growing population of Louisianans age 65 or older, there is a significant need to increase public awareness and understanding of cognitive decline. Currently, the state’s chronic disease initiatives do not include Alzheimer’s or other dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the Louisiana Department of Health to include Alzheimer’s and other dementia in public health programs and services. With greater understanding, residents across the state can identify the signs and symptoms and take charge of their health.
![Nurse with patients](/https/alzimpact.org/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2022/08/02/Nurse%20with%20patients.jpg?itok=Ha_6Oq1K)
Establish Dementia Training Standards for Adult Day Care Centers
Across the country, 28% of individuals using adult day services have Alzheimer's and other dementia. To ensure adult day care centers in Louisiana can effectively support people living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on the Louisiana Office of Aging and Adult Services to require adult day care staff to receive one hour of dementia training upon hire and one hour of continuing education annually for existing staff. Training on topics such as the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia, effective communication strategies and person-centered care can improve care delivery for people living with dementia.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in Louisiana
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Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
Contact Us
State Affairs Contact: Tatiana Gonzalez Quiroga
Phone: 504.662.9314
Email: [email protected]
94,700
people living with Alzheimer’s in Louisiana
168,000
Louisianans are providing unpaid care
$765 Million
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
161.5%
increase in Alzheimer’s deaths 2000-2021
19%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
538.7%
increase of geriatricians in Louisiana needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in Louisiana
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 Louisiana policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.