Dementia Training for Healthcare Providers Now Law!

There are nearly 1 million Illinois residents who are directly affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia - but less than half ever receive a diagnosis. As someone who can relate to this, I know that getting a diagnosis is one of the most critical steps in an Alzheimer’s journey because it allows a person with the disease to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials, and access vital resources.

My Mother lived the last year and a half of her life in a dementia unit. However, until she broke her hip and was in the hospital I thought I was dealing with issues of old age, not dementia. Her doctor never suggested she might have dementia. After she was in the nursing home, a CT scan showed brain atrophy.

Fortunately, Illinois is leading the way in improving diagnosis rates. Thanks to the support of our own Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Senate Bill 677 was recently signed into law. This vital legislation ensures that Illinois doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who see adult patients have at least 1 hour of regular dementia training as part of their existing continuing education requirements - allowing them to better support their patients by making an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or referral.

I am so proud that Illinois has taken this major step forward in making our healthcare system more responsive to people living with dementia, their caregivers, and families. Please join me in celebrating this huge victory and thanking our leader Senator Sara Feigenholtz for making this happen.