Congress Passes Collins-Backed Bill to Protect Dementia Patients

The Portland Press-Herald reports that a bipartisan bill backed by Susan Collins (R-Maine) to protect Alzheimer's disease patients from exploitation has passed both houses of Congress. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act aims to ensure the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) senior abuse training materials factorin the needs of people with Alzheimer's and other dementia disorders. The measure also directs the DOJ to consult with stakeholders in developing the new materials, and incorporate information in its yearly report about where to access them. Collins said roughly one in 10 people 60 or older has experienced some form of senior abuse, while the rate is much higher for people with dementia disorders — with some estimates indicating it exceeds 50 percent.