WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2025 — The U.S. House of Representatives took action today to improve dementia workforce preparedness in communities across the nation by reintroducing the bipartisan Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) are proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will empower primary care providers to better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality, person-centered care in community-based settings.
“Too many families across the nation face challenges and delays on their path to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” said Robert Egge, AIM president and Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer. “Through virtual training programs to support our nation’s overburdened primary care providers, the bipartisan AADAPT Act will provide virtual Alzheimer’s and dementia education and training to more primary care providers. Thank you to our bipartisan congressional champions for reintroducing this commonsense legislation and for your dedication to the Alzheimer’s and dementia community.”
In 85% of cases, the initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made by clinicians who are not dementia specialists, usually primary care providers. Because they are not specialists, most report they do not feel prepared to provide care for these diagnosed individuals. And too often, overtaxed primary care providers are unable to access the latest patient-centered dementia training.
The bipartisan AADAPT Act would provide grants to providers participating in structured Alzheimer’s and dementia virtual education programs to build on their knowledge of detection, diagnosis, care, and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Introduced by Reps. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), the bipartisan bill would address knowledge gaps and workforce capacity issues primary care providers across the nation are facing by connecting them with dementia care experts using free, remote continuing education. Importantly, these programs can also reach rural and medically underserved areas where primary care providers are especially strained.
“Thanks to the investment in Alzheimer’s and dementia research over the last decade, there has been significant scientific progress in Alzheimer’s prevention, care and treatment,” said Egge. “With only half of those living with Alzheimer’s disease having a diagnosis, the bipartisan AADAPT Act is critically important to ensuring American families can access an accurate and timely diagnosis from a knowledgeable provider so they can realize the full benefits of this progress.”
