Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) present significant challenges for individuals, families, and communities. To address these challenges, the State of Texas has developed its second in a series of Plans. The 2024 – 2028 Texas State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (The Plan) outlines a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to improving public education, risk reduction, care coordination, and support for those living with and affected by ADRD. Below is a summary of the key priority areas and strategies proposed in this plan.
Public Education & Awareness
Raising public awarenss about ADRD is essential for encouraging open discussions on cognitive health. Education efforts must be culturally appropriate and target people of all ages – fostering healthy lifestyle choices from an early age to reduce the risk of ADRD. The Plan recommends:
- Launching traditional and social media campaigns on the signs, symptoms, and risk reduction of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
- Embedding ADRD information, especially about risk reduction, into the public education system for children of all ages.
Reducing Risk
While some Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia risk factors like age and genetics are unchangeable, others can be mitigated through healthy lifestyle choices. The Plan emphasizes the importance of:
- Promoting physical activity, a healthy diet, and controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Collaborating with communitieis at higher risk to encourage brain-healthy behaviors.
Coordinated Care and Support
The care provided for those living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias often suffers from fragmented services and lack of coordination. Families often don’t know where to find services, or even that services and support exists. Aging Life Care Managers can be essential in care coordination, but not everyone can affort to pay for this valuable service. The Alzheimer’s Association, and other non-profit or civic organizations like The Senior Source or the Area Agency on Aging provide resources and support in the fractured, patchwork, care landscape. The Plan call for:
- Enhancing collaboration between primary care providers (PCPs) and dementia specialist like Neurologists, and Geriatricians.
- Supporting care models that reduce service duplication and improve patient outcomes.
Partnerships & Engagement
Achieving the goals of the Texas State Plan requires the active participation of various stakeholders, from healthcare providers to community organizations. The Plan calls for:
- Encouraging collaboration among community organizations, state agencies, and healthcare providers.
- Partnering with law enforcement and first responders to support programs like Project H.O.M.E. which is a voluntary database used to help first responders identify and communicate with individuals with cognitive impairment. Citites around the state have a variety of these types of programs, but they are often underutilized.
Professional Training
Effective care for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias depends on well-trained professionals. The Plan stresses the need for:
- Providing ongoing education to Primary Care Physicians on ADRD diagnosis and treatment.
- Training non-medical professionals to recognize and interact with individuals showing signs of dementia. Organizations like Dementia Friendly Dallas are already making an impact in this area, but there is more to do.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias allows individuals and their families to plan for the future and access necessary treatments, including research studies. It’s essential that individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia meet with a Certified Elder Law Attorney as soon as possible. Special planning provisions are needed to plan effectively for incapacity and long-term medical care. Other strategies include:
- Encouraging early evaluation using nationally validated diagnostic standards.
- Developing care plans that address long-term needs from the point of diagnosis.
Quality Care and Support
High-quality care for individuals living with ADRD involves addressing the whole person – including cognitive, behavioral, medical, and psychological symptoms, while also considering the needs of family care partners. The Plan advocates for:
- Using best practices to monitor symptoms and manage changes over time.
- Incorporating both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments when appropriate.
Supporting Family Caregivers
Family caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of those living with ADRD. Almost all people living with Alzheimer’s or Related Dementias will receive care from a family member at some point in their lives. The Plan highlights the importance of:
- Including family caregivers in all aspects of care planning.
- Providing support tailored to long-distance caregivers and those caring from younger-onset dementia.
Data-Driven Decisions
Accurate data collection and analysis are vital for improving outcomes for individuals living with ADRD. The Plan proposes:
- Collaborating with relevant groups to enhance data collection from individuals living with dementia, their care partners, and medical professionals providing care.
- Using Medicare’s cognitive assessment data to inform state-level decision-making.
Research Advances
Ongoing research is crucial for finding cures and treatments, and improving care for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. The Plan suggests:
- Increasing the number of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in Texas.
- Promoting participation in clinical trials from diverse populations to ensure that findings are broadly applicable.
A Collective Effort for a Healthier Future
The 2024 – 2028 Texas State Plan provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. By focusing on public education, risk reduction, coordinated care, and ongoing research, Texas aims to improve the quality of life for those living with ADRD and their care partners. The Plan encourages stakeholders to work together in a coordinated effort to ensure the health and well-being of all Texans.
If you or someone you love has recently been diagnoses with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia, contact our office to ensure that your estate planning includes the necessary provisions for living with Dementia.
