Assemblymember Monique Limón is trying to raise awareness about the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
On Tuesday, she was joined by constituents and more than 250 volunteers for Alzheimer’s State Advocacy Day.
Limón recently introduced the Alzheimer’s Healthy Brain Initiative.
AB 388 would direct the state Department of Public Health and local health agencies to plan and prepare for what Limón says is the impending Alzheimer’s crisis. It would involve a three-pronged approach, which includes a public awareness campaign, promoting partnerships with local organizations and state resources, and making significant investments in pilot programs to encourage research and innovation.
“In California, Alzheimer’s disease is the third leading cause of death impacting millions of lives throughout the state, but less than half of all Californians affected have been formally diagnosed by a clinician. Although the onset of Alzheimer’s cannot yet be stopped or reversed, early detection and diagnosis can make it easier for patients and their families to manage the disease,” said Assemblymember Limón.
The initiative is also designed to address the costs of treating Alzheimer’s. According to a press release from Limón’s office, the crisis costs the nation $2.3 trillion in Medicaid costs each year.
“Right now, the lifetime cost of Alzheimer’s is just over $340,000 and despite significant help from the Medi-Cal program, the bulk of costs are incurred by families paying out of pocket for long-term services and support. I have witnessed first-hand the financial strain that Alzheimer’s can have on a family when my grandmother was diagnosed with the disease,” said Assemblymember Limón. “It is time California invests not only reducing the cost of Alzheimer’s but take active steps in improving patient outcomes.”
Assemblymember Limón represents the 37th Assembly District, which includes Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang, Summerland, Isla Vista, and Montecito.
