Tag Archives for Alzheimer’s Disease

Senate Aging Committee Seeks Renewal of Older Americans Act 

Published in RINewsToday on November 10, 2025

 With over 359 days until the mid-term elections, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging held a hearing last week to emphasize the need for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a crucial piece of federal legislation that expired the previous year. The hearing highlighted the key role OAA plays in assisting Americans living with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers.

Last reauthorized in 2020, the OAA expired during the 118th Congress. S. 4776, introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the committee’s ranking member, passed the Senate by unanimous consent last year. However, the House failed to pass a companion measure due to unrelated political disagreements.

Senate Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Reauthorize the OAA

On June 18, 2025, Chairman Cassidy, alongside nine co-sponsors, reintroduced the OAA Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S. 2120). This 91-page bill would authorize new funding a strengthen services for older Americans. The bipartisan bill was referred to the Senate HELP Committee the day it was introduced, where hearings, markups, and a committee vote are expected. If approved, it will move to the full Senate. As of press time, a companion bill had not yet been introduced in the House.

 Chairman Cassidy’s co-sponsors include Senators Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Susan Collins (R-ME).

 Although S. 2120 closely mirrors last year’s S. 4776, there are notable differences. Specifically, it would reauthorize OAA programs through FY 2030 and increase funding by 18% over the next four years. It also includes measures to promote innovation, strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and expand the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Additionally, the bill aims to improve services for Tribal elders and older adults with disabilities, ensuring these populations remain active and supported in their communities.

 S. 2120 would also address elder abuse by establishing a clearinghouse for best practices, focusing on legal and protective services to strengthen state ombudsman programs, adult protective services, and related legal supports.

 Senate Aging Committee Hearing Highlights Call for S. 2120 Passage

 On November 5, 2025, Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) of the Senate Aging Committee held a full committee hearing titled “Renewing Our Commitment: How the Older Americans Act Uplifts Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases.” The hearing, which took place in SD-216 at 3:30 p.m., focused on how OAA-funded programs provide critical support to millions of Americans with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The goal of the hearing was to push for the passage of S. 2120 with bipartisan support.

In his opening statement, Chairman Scott emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the OAA to ensure that programs and services keep pace with a rapidly growing aging population—one increasingly affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, placing greater demands on caregivers.

“More than 7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly 1 million are affected by Parkinson’s,” said Scott. “Behind these numbers are caregivers—a husband, a wife, a son, or a daughter—providing unpaid, around-the-clock care.”

“Every service made possible by this law [OAA] represents compassion made real,” he added.

Ranking Member Gillibrand opening statement pointed out that most people are unaware of the OAA’s existence, despite the fact that one in six older adults benefit from its programs. “In 2024, the OAA generated 3.39 times its investment in community value and taxpayer savings. Through efficient service delivery, older adults avoided 1.9 million days of long-term hospital stays and institutional care,” she said.

“It’s not the time to take our foot off the gas,” Gillibrand continued. “Even though there have been minimal interruptions in service delivery since the Act’s authorization expired last year, it is vital that we pass a reauthorization this fall to modernize the statute and reflect the evolving needs of older adults.”

The three witnesses at this Senate Aging Committee hearing shared how OAA-funded services—such as adult day centers, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, and specialized exercise programs—helped them to maintain their health, and independence. They pointed out that these community-based services not only provided caregivers with the critical support, more important they were cost-effective alternatives to more costly nursing home care.

Key Testimonies Highlight the Impact of OAA Programs

Erick Montealegre, a volunteer community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and a caregiver for his father, who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, told the panel that adult day care centers and home-delivered meals—funded by the OAA—had made a “world of difference” in his father’s quality of life, providing essential respite care for his family.

Montealegre highlighted the importance of these programs being culturally and linguistically appropriate. His 84-year-old father, who had lost the ability to speak English and reverted to speaking his native Spanish, benefitted greatly from services that met his language needs.

“This hearing is especially meaningful to me because it’s taking place in November, National Family Caregivers Month,” Montealegre noted. In conclusion, he said, “Reauthorizing and strengthening the Older Americans Act is an investment in our families, our dignity, and our community.”

Steve Sappington, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for the past ten years, explained that an OAA-supported exercise program, Rock Steady Boxing, has significantly slowed the progression of his symptoms. Recounting his experiences in living with Parkinson’s, he noted that he went eight years without having to increase his Parkinson’s medication after starting the boxing program. His neurologist called it a “miracle” and said he had never seen anything like it before.

“Programs like ours are possible because of the foundation laid by the OAA,” Sappington said. “Local OAA-funded services—such as transportation, congregate and home-delivered meals, caregiver support, adult day services, and other vital programs—make it possible for older adults like me to stay active and connected.” He urged Congress to reauthorize the OAA to ensure continued support for these essential services.

However, Sappington also pointed out that many older adults remain unaware of the services available to them, emphasizing the need for culturally competent outreach, particularly to low-income, rural, and minority communities.

 Duana Patton, Chief Executive Director of the Ohio District Five Area Agency on Aging and Board President of USAging, emphasized that Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as the “front door” to a network of local, community-based services. She argued that the OAA represents a cost-effective investment for the federal government, as its programs help older adults remain in their communities, which is far less expensive than placement in costly nursing homes.

 “The longer older adults can successfully age at home, the better it is financially for families and the federal government,” Patton explained. Having worked in the AAA field for over 31 years, she cited the example of “Ms. Gray,” a client who, after receiving in-home personal care and meals funded by the OAA, no longer required hospital readmissions due to the significant improvements in her health.

The witnesses stressed that the OAA needs to be promptly reauthorized, strengthened, and modernized to provide local agencies with the flexibility required to meet the evolving needs of their communities.

 A Final Note…

“We hope the Senate’s OAA reauthorization bill (S. 2120) can move forward soon, either under Unanimous Consent or attached to another legislative vehicle,” says Amy Gotwals, Chief of Public Policy and External Affairs at USAging. “While the House has yet to announce a specific plan, USAging, along with other aging organizations, is advocating for a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will pass before the end of the year.”

Gotwals notes that, although the reauthorization is important, it is not immediately necessary to ensure continued funding for the OAA. “President Trump’s budget, along with both the Senate and House FY 2026 bills, protect all but one OAA program—the Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program. If there’s a year-long Continuing Resolution, all programs will be protected,” she adds.

 “The shutdown remains our biggest challenge right now,” Gotwals concludes.

National report says Alzheimer’s Disease expected to skyrocket

Published in RINewsToday on May 5, 2025

The 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, released last week by the Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association, highlights a dramatic rise in the number of Americans affected by the disease—signaling an urgent call to action for policymakers.

According to the report, the total annual costs of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias (excluding unpaid care) is projected to be $384 billion in 2025.  The projected costs are expected to increase to $1 trillion (in today’s dollars) by mid-century.  Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at an additional $413 billion. And deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.

Taking a Comprehensive Look at Alzheimer’s

Published annually in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the report has, since 2007, served as the leading source of comprehensive national data on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It offers critical insights into the impact, prevalence, and challenges of Alzheimer’s, shaping national conversations and guiding policy and research efforts.

The new survey findings are included in an accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment. The nationwide survey of more than 1,700 Americans aged 45 and older examined awareness and attitudes about Alzheimer’s disease, early detection and diagnosis, tests used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s, and treatments that can slow progression of the disease.

Their survey finds that people want to know if they have Alzheimer’s, and they want to know before it impacts their daily life. They want a simple test so they can access care earlier, including treatments that can slow the progression of the disease,” said Elizabeth Edgerly, Ph.D., senior director, Community Programs and Services, Alzheimer’s Association in a statement announcing the release of the report. “Their interest in early diagnosis and treatment highlights how important it is that we keep advancing toward diagnostic testing that is simple to administer and widely available. We also heard loud and clear that Americans want disease-modifying treatments that can make a real difference after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” she says.

If diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, 83% would be willing to participate in a clinical trial for treatment to help slow or cure the disease, note the findings. And 48% cited the ability to participate in clinical trials as a reason for wanting Alzheimer’s testing.

The study findings suggest that Americans are optimistic about new treatments to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Eighty-one percent believe that new treatments to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s will emerge in the next decade. And 66% believe that new treatments to prevent the disease will be available soon.

Meanwhile, this year’s findings suggest that Americans are concerned about Alzheimer’s testing and how it could affect future care. Forty-four percent 44% worry that insurance will not cover future care and treatment following testing and 41% stay they are concerned about test accuracy.  Other concerns expressed by the respondents include the cost of testing, and losing confidence in abilities or not being allowed to do certain activities (such as driving).

There Are Not Enough Dementia Care Specialists

In the coming years, the 2025 Facts and Figures report warns policy makers of a shortage of dementia care specialists (including neurologists, geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists) and direct care workers.  Fifty-five percent of primary care physicians caring for people living with Alzheimer’s report that there are not enough dementia care specialists in their communities.

Researchers estimate that 34% to 59% of those aged 65 years and older reside in areas with potential dementia specialist shortfalls. The report estimates that more than 18,000 geriatricians will be needed to care for the approximately 12.7 million individuals aged 65 and older projected to have Alzheimer’s dementia in 2050 — more than double the number of geriatricians who were practicing in 2021.

While it is reported that between 2014 and 2023, the number of direct care workers increased from 3.5 million to 5 million due to growing demand for long-term care, researchers estimate that over 861,000 additional direct care workers will be needed by 2032 — more new workers than in any other single occupation in the United States.

Between 2022 and 2032, the report warns that double-digit percentage increases in the number of needed home health and personal care aides will be needed in every state except Maine to meet the increasing demand. Despite recent increases, projections fall short of true workforce demand.

But they remain optimistic that the next decade will bring new Alzheimer’s treatments to slow, prevent and even cure the devastating disorder.  Four in five Americans (81%) believe new treatments to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s will emerge in the next decade, and 66% believe new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s will be available soon.

Taking a Close Look at Rhode Island Statistics

According to the 2025 Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Statistics, 22,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s, representing 11.2% of the population aged 65 or older.  There are 37,000 unpaid caregivers providing $52 million in care (valued at $1.4 billion), notes the report’s findings. The statewide deaths from Alzheimer’s disease is 475.  Alzheimer’s Disease as a cause of death ranks 5th.

The Rhode Island Fact Sheet notes that the number of Rhode Islanders in Hospice (2017) with a primary diagnosis is 1,657 or 25 percent.  In 2018, the number of emergency visits per 1,000 people with dementia was 1,606.

And the state’s Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer’s in 2025 was $ 613 million.  The per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia in 2024 dollars is estimated to be $ 31,741.

Jerry Larkin, MD, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health commented, “This report shows the need for continued public health efforts to support the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Rhode Island and their caregivers.  The Rhode Island Department of Health is committed to supporting social service agencies to address cognitive decline among their patients and community members; improving diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s within primary care; and providing resources and educational tools, such as the RI Brain Health Guide for families to navigate systems to manage this disease.”

On WJAR’s Health Check 10 website, on April 29, 2025, Barbara Morse got the scoop in announcing the release of the latest Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report. For the first time, more than 7.2 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, notes Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Ted Huey, the director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital in Providence. “That number is expected to double to nearly 14 million by 2040, with an estimated one million new cases each year by 2060,” he says.

Dr. Huey told Morse, “We have the first new disease modified medications in forever.  Really, the first ones that remove one of the key proteins that causes Alzheimer’s disease.”

Despite advances in treating Alzheimer’s, federal funding for research is being cut, which could hinder progress. “It would be a shame to cut it now because I think we’re really at a good place and we’re making some real advances,” says Huey.

“The survey showing that more Americans want to know if they have Alzheimer’s and that they are interested in taking a medication to slow the disease emphasizes the need for our important work. We need to educate more people about the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s, when to take their memory concerns to a doctor and our support programs. This is an exciting time for treatment and we want people to know we are here for them,” says Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Rhode Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

“Our survey makes it clear — most Americans want to take action if they experience cognitive problems,” said Alzheimer’s Association Edgerly. “With the rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s, it’s more important than ever that researchers, clinicians, health systems, public health officials and other stakeholders work together to ensure all Americans have access to timely and appropriate Alzheimer’s diagnosis, care and treatment,” she says.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. For more info, visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
29, 2025

To download the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, go to https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf.