In 2009, the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas was established via House Bill 1014 to bring together caregivers, public health officials, patient advocates, and community leaders to tackle a range of issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and the state. After collecting public feedback to inform the plan's recommendations, in 2011 the Task Force published the Task Force on the Effect of Alzheimer’s Disease in Arkansas Final Report. In 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly approved a measure that created a permanent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council in the state. The Council is charged with updating the current Alzheimer’s and Dementia State Disease Plan and working with key stakeholders to ensure that the plan is implemented. 

In 2022, the Council released the updated Alzheimer’s and Dementia Arkansas State Plan. The updated State Plan establishes recommendations for prioritizing the state’s response to Alzheimer’s. Among the recommendations are permanently reauthorizing the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Committee; conducting a statewide needs assessment to determine the capacity, availability, cost, and quality of existing dementia care options; and expanding in-home and facility-based respite services for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

Increase Public Awareness of Alzheimer’s in Arkansas 

Arkansas is home to 60,400 individuals living with Alzheimer’s. As the population with dementia grows, a robust public health response is needed to mitigate future impact. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state policymakers to appropriate $300,000 for a public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis. This investment is critical to support the health and well-being of communities across Arkansas.