The state of Massachusetts is falling behind on Alzheimer’s and dementia preparedness at the very moment that the prevalence of disease, toll on caregivers, and attacks by the Trump administration on health care and services are accelerating.
In 2018, Massachusetts passed an omnibus law that set a national standard, establishing a statewide plan and advisory council to respond to the needs of constituents living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. But since, we haven’t passed much to make things easier for families or health care providers, and we’re starting to really struggle.
There are over 145,000 Massachusetts residents living with Alzheimer’s and many more caring for them. The state also shells out billions ($2 billion in Medicaid alone in 2025) to care for this group, and costs will only continue to rise. The bottom line is that residents and the Commonwealth can’t continue like this – we need more help.
I wrote about this problem last weekend for the Massachusetts-based Worcester Telegram & Gazette. In my piece, I highlight three bills gaining momentum in the State House this session that would make a big difference for patients and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Given Massachusetts’ outsized role in medicine and innovation, the question is not whether we can lead again, but whether lawmakers will choose to.
You can read the full piece here.
