Bill Creating an Alzheimer's Task Force Passes Ohio Senate

The Ohio Senate has unanimously passed legislation to create an Alzheimer's and Dementias Task Force, reports the News-Herald . Bill co-sponsor Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Ohio) said his state is the only state in the Union that has not crafted a comprehensive plan to cope with a "growing public health crisis." He and fellow Sen. Kenny Yuko (D-Ohio) noted 220,000 residents currently live with dementia, with each Ohioan typically depending on two to three caregivers. The state governor would appoint the 27-member task force if the bill goes into effect, and one member would be a person, or a relative, diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, while another would be the caregiver. Additional members would include a physician with expertise diagnosing, treating, and researching Alzheimer's, and a psychologist specializing in dementia care. Other members would include two representatives of Alzheimer's/dementia advocacy groups, as well as the state directors or designees of health and aging. The bill stated the task force will "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 to meet the individuals' current and future needs." The group will submit a report on its findings and recommendations no later than 18 months after its establishment.