New Arkansas Law Aims to Increase Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients and Caregivers

KARK 4 News reports that a new state law on the books in Arkansas will boost support for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and their caregivers. Gov. Asa Hutchinson in March signed into law legislation to set up an Alzheimer's and Dementia Advisory Council, a coalition of health experts, state agency officials, providers, and caregivers. David Cook with the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said the council aims to increase public awareness, provide additional training, and address healthcare shortages — with aiding caregivers an area of special concern. The council also is tasked with increasing access to adult day cares and using more telehealth or telemedicine to reach people in rural regions.