Dementia Training for Healthcare Providers Now Law!

There are nearly 1 million Illinois residents who are directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia - but less than half ever receive a diagnosis. As someone who can due to the fact that my mother suffered from the disease for 15 years, I know that getting a diagnosis is one of the most critical steps in an Alzheimer’s journey because it allows a person with the disease to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials, and access vital resources.

When my mother was first showing signs at the age of 63, we as a family, didn’t know what to make of her memory lost, loss of daily habits, or bathroom accidents. It was horrifying and her GP didn’t have any explanation. It wasn’t until we went to a neurologist a few years later did we find out about the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Finding the right doctor helped us with a plan as to how to handle her as well as how we coped as a family.

Fortunately, Illinois is leading the way in improving diagnosis rates. Thanks to the support of our own Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and State Senator Don DeWitte, Senate Bill 677 was recently signed into law! This vital legislation ensures that Illinois doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who see adult patients have at least 1 hour of regular dementia training as part of their existing continuing education requirements - allowing them to better support their patients by making an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or referral.

I am so proud that Illinois has taken this major step forward in making our healthcare system more responsive to people living with dementia, their caregivers, and families. Please join me in celebrating this huge victory and thanking our leader Senator DeWitte for making this happen!