Alzheimer's Task Force Bill Signed Into Law

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed legislation to establish the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Task Force, reports the News-Herald . The bill is sponsored by Sens. Kenny Yuko (D-Ohio) and Steve Wilson (R-Ohio), and the Cleveland Area chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said Ohio was the last U.S. state lacking a formal process to create an Alzheimer's plan. The association predicts more than 250,000 Ohioans 65 and older will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's by 2025, and the bill directs the new task force to "examine the needs of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, the services available in this state for those individuals, and the ability of healthcare providers and facilities to meet the individuals' current and future needs." The task force will make findings and recommendations on various topics, including analyzing trends in Ohio's Alzheimer's and related dementia populations and service needs, along with assessing current resources, services, and capacity related to the care of individuals diagnosed with the disease. The group also will weigh policies and strategies that address improving healthcare for those who are diagnosed, helping healthcare professionals and others to better care for disease sufferers, and aiding unpaid caregivers. A report specifying the task force's findings and recommendations must be submitted to the governor's office and the general assembly within 18 months of the law's effective date.