While the federal government is in the middle of a shutdown, state governments across the country are beginning their legislative sessions. And, while it is often easy to think of the federal government as having the power to address Alzheimer's and dementia, policies implemented at the state-level have an enormous impact.

State policymakers determine regulatory and statutory standards for dementia training, appropriate respite care dollars, and protect vulnerable adults against abuse and exploitation. Medicaid spending, and in some cases, eligibility and scope of benefits is also controlled by state governments. These services and more have a direct impact on those living with the disease, family caregivers and the direct care workforce.

As legislative terms begin, AIM and our advocates are already working to ensure the needs of all those affected by Alzheimer's are considered. Across the country we are working to support policies to:

• Address Alzheimer's as a Public Health Crisis: The tools of public health provide opportunities to intervene and improve the quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers. Mobilizing public health departments to implement actions to advance early detection and diagnosis and reduce risk for cognitive decline is crucial to addressing this crisis.
• Strengthen Medicaid: 1 in 4 seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias is on Medicaid, the only public program that covers the long-term nursing home stays often required by those living with Alzheimer's. While Medicaid spending constitutes one of the largest items in most state budgets policymakers must ensure that critical benefits are preserved.
• Ensure a Dementia Capable Workforce: People with Alzheimer's deserve quality care from well-trained professionals throughout the progression of the disease. Yet, training standards vary by state. States must have adequate dementia training laws to equip workers across the care continuum and address specific and unique aspects of care and safety for people with dementia.
• Support Alzheimer's and dementia family caregivers: Today, more than 15 million Americans are providing 18.2 billion hours of unpaid care valued at over $230 billion to people living with dementia. Our nation's family caregivers need support to ease the emotional, physical and financial strain of caregiving.
• Provide protections for Persons Living with Dementia: People living with dementia are especially vulnerable to abuse because the disease may prevent them from reporting or recognizing it. State policymakers must take action to pass laws and regulations to protect this population.

Learn more about AIM's work in the states here.