Policy Resolution HHS-19-16

WHEREAS, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise and expected to increase between 2017 and 2025 in every state;

WHEREAS, Dementia is a large and growing problem, caused by drugs and medicines, alcohol, malignant hypertension, and Alzheimer’s;

WHEREAS, some forms of Dementia can be prevented or controlled;

WHEREAS, the progress of Alzheimer’s can sometimes be slowed;

WHEREAS, the resources of the families of patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia are often strained while they attempt to provide for increasing care needs for their loved one;

WHEREAS, households of color are often under-resourced for long-term medical needs;

WHEREAS, households of color are often reluctant to seek professional diagnosis or help for the family member with an indication of diminished mental capacity;

WHEREAS, families of patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia often lack the training required to deal with the new needs of a recently impacted Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient;

WHEREAS, the families often are left to care for or supervise the patient to make sure that the potential for injury is mitigated;

WHEREAS, each family member of working age is often called upon to aid in the care of the patient may lose the opportunity to earn wages during the care period;

WHEREAS, the care of the patient can be so demanding that necessary wages are lost, available sick leave is depleted, and property maintenance is often neglected causing significant economic reverberations for the individual, the family, and community;

WHEREAS, the consequences of these patient care demand impact everyone directly or indirectly;

WHEREAS, the Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient can fail to remember the names and faces of their spouses, children, and friends;

WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients may become agitated with directions contrary to their desires of the moment or refusals to allow their free movement;

WHEREAS, the general public often lacks information regarding care resources for Alzheimer’s and Dementia, insurance, estate planning, and counseling services available to family members;

WHEREAS, private insurance varies significantly in what is deemed appropriate care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia; and

WHEREAS, lack of funding for mental health services in the United States has created a national crisis which directly involves and includes many communities of color.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) calls for an increase of funding at the Federal level for overall mental health and for Alzheimer’s and Dementia research, including for early diagnosis;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL will educate their members and families on the above facts, and the importance of getting early diagnosis and treatment and providing long-term care; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of Congress, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Brenda Gilmore (TN)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Health and Human Services Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Chair(s): Representative John King (SC) and Representative Toni Rose (TX)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is November 30, 2018
• Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President