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Balderson Leads Effort to Close Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Gap with Enhanced Training for Primary Care Providers

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Balderson introduced the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, legislation that would equip primary care providers with the tools and training necessary to detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most urgent and costly public health challenges facing the United States. With more than 7 million Americans and over 236,000 Ohioans currently living with the disease, the need for timely diagnosis and effective, community-based care continues to grow. Yet many primary care providers, especially those serving rural or underserved populations, report lacking the training and resources necessary to confidently manage Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“As new treatments emerge and our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease advances, timely and accurate diagnoses are more critical than ever,” said Balderson. “Today, half of Americans living with Alzheimer’s remain undiagnosed, and most diagnoses come from primary care physicians, not dementia specialists. By expanding access to education and training, we can better prepare health care providers to detect, diagnose, and deliver high-quality care—leading to better treatment and improved quality of life.”

“On the journey to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, far too many families are experiencing obstacles and delays,” said Rachel Conant, senior vice president of public policy at the Alzheimer’s Association and executive director of AIM. “The bipartisan AADAPT Act aims to address this challenge by offering virtual education and training for primary care providers, empowering them to improve diagnosis and care in their communities. On behalf of the Alzheimer’s and dementia community, thank you to our bipartisan champions in Congress for reintroducing this important legislation and for your commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”

By delivering specialized training directly to frontline health care providers, the AADAPT Act ensures that individuals and families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis receive earlier support, more accurate information, and care that reflects their personal needs. The legislation represents a critical step toward closing the diagnosis gap and reducing care disparities in rural communities.

Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) is an original co-sponsor of the bill.

Full text of the AADAPT Act can be found HERE.
 
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