Arizona Bill Aims to Support Seniors Battling Alzheimer’s Disease

A bill is currently making its way through the Arizona legislature, seeking to support the more than 150,000 Arizonans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease. Senate Bill 1210, sponsored by Senator Tim Dunn, aims to enhance awareness, outreach, and services for those impacted by the disease, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The bill has received broad bipartisan support, steadily moving through legislative committees. On March 19, it was approved by the House Appropriations Committee with a vote of 15 in favor, 2 opposed. Having already passed the Arizona Senate, it is now on its way to the full House for further review.

If passed the bill would allocate $500,000 from the state’s general fund to the Arizona Department of Health Services. This funding would be used by a nonprofit organization to increase awareness and outreach about Alzheimer’s disease, especially in rural Arizona and underserved areas of the Valley.

This initiative is critical as Arizona’s aging population continues to grow, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise significantly. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s currently affects nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older, and that number is expected to rise to approximately 13 million by 2050. The disease is the fifth-leading cause of death among those aged 65 and older. Additionally, the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. The financial burden of the disease is staggering, with health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia projected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

The funding from SB 1210 would provide vital resources and information to communities that may not have adequate access to Alzheimer’s-related care and support. Beyond Alzheimer’s, the bill also addresses broader mental health concerns by expanding access to mental health services and evaluations. These updates aim to help ensure that vulnerable populations across the state receive the care and attention they need.

With strong bipartisan support, SB 1210 has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Arizona’s senior citizens, providing them with the resources, care, and support they deserve. As the national battle with Alzheimer’s disease continues to grow, legislation like SB 1210 plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of affected individuals and their families.