Louisiana Unites in Advocacy: A Day of Determination for Alzheimer’s Awareness

Advocates, caregivers, policymakers, and leaders converged at the State Capitol for Alzheimer's Advocacy Day, marked by progress on Senate Bill 46 and personal testimonies.

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Baton Rouge bore witness to a profound display of unity and determination as advocates, caregivers, policymakers, and leaders gathered for the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter and Alzheimer's Impact Movement 's Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

The day was marked by poignant moments and meaningful discussions, with speakers like Ralph L. Abraham, M.D., Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, reaffirming our collective commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The declaration of April 25 as Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Day by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry added a poignant touch, with the State Capitol adorned in purple in solidarity with our cause.

One of the highlights of the day was our advocacy team's meeting with Louisiana State Representative Dustin Miller, Chair of the House Health & Welfare Committee. Representative Miller's engagement and support underscored the importance of our mission to advance policies aimed at improving the lives of Louisianans affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

For many of us, including myself, this cause is deeply personal. Having lost loved ones to this disease, we understand firsthand the devastating impact it has on families. The journey of caregiving is fraught with challenges, moments of sorrow, frustration, and love. It is during these times that the urgency for support and research becomes abundantly clear.

The statistics are sobering. By 2025, the number of Louisiana adults age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase by 110,000. The financial burden is staggering, with Alzheimer’s and other dementias costing American taxpayers an estimated $345 billion in 2023 alone. Louisiana's 200,000 caregivers provide over 363 million hours of unpaid care, underscoring the critical need for action.

Leading up to the State Advocacy Day at the Capitol, significant progress was made in advancing Senate Bill 46, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis in Louisiana. Sponsored by Senator Patrick McMath, SB 46 unanimously passed through the House Health and Welfare Committee on April 24, 2024. This bill seeks to establish the Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Advisory Council within the Louisiana Department of Health.

Advocates, including Tatiana Gonzalez Quiroga, Public Policy Director of the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter, emphasized the importance of this council in educating the public, strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving access to care, and supporting family caregivers. SB 46 mandates the submission of a statewide plan by Nov. 1, 2025, to address the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, underscoring its critical role in prioritizing the needs of affected individuals. SB 46 now heads to the Louisiana House Floor for debate.

As advocates, we are committed to amplifying the voices of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, urging policymakers to prioritize this pressing public health issue. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no family faces Alzheimer’s alone.

To learn more about how you can get involved in our year-round advocacy efforts, visit alzimpact.org/louisiana .