AARP Massachusetts Testifies in Support of Alzheimer's and Dementia Bills

By Ted Carey , May 04, 2023 01:19 PM

The Massachusetts State House in Boston, USA — The Massachusetts State House, also known as the Massachusetts Statehouse or the New State House, is the state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, located in the Beacon Hill/Downtown neighborhood of Boston. The building, designed by noted architect Charles Bulfinch, was completed in 1798, and has repeatedly been enlarged since. It is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among Bulfinch's finest works, and was designated a National Historic Landmark for its architectural significance.

AARP Massachusetts is backing efforts to increase funding to help those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families. On Thursday, May 4^th AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa testified virtually in front of The Massachusetts Joint Committee On Public Health. He urged the committee to passHouse Bill No. 2178 and Senate Bill No. 1380 An Act To Strengthen Our Public Health Infrastructure To Address Alzheimer’s And All Dementia.

The bill would help develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. The campaign would then be worked into existing, public health outreach programs, so that health care workers and the public are aware of the conditions and the resources available.

More than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. Under the current trajectory, more than 13.8 million additional baby boomers are expected to develop dementia by 2050

“The human, societal and financial costs of dementia are all very high” said Mike Festa, AARP Massachusetts State Director “AARP believes both federal and state governments should provide sufficient funding for long-term public education programs incorporating multilingual and multicultural messaging to raise public awareness of dementia, reduce stigma, encourage detection of cognitive impairment, and promote brain health”,

Read the testimonyhere

AARP Massachusetts reminded legislators most people prefer to receive services in their homes or the community when it’s possible and right now many communities are not equipped to meet the needs of individuals with dementia.

House Bill No. 2178 an Act to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s and all dementia is sponsored by Representative Denise Garlick of Needham. Senate Bill No. 1380 - an Act to strengthen our public health infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s and all dementia is sponsored by Senator Adam Gomez of Chicopee

About AARP Massachusetts

Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.