Peoria Standard

U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood, Paul Tonko, Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, and Nanette Barragán have introduced the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, a bill aimed at providing Alzheimer’s and dementia education and training to more primary care providers. The goal is to improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

"Alzheimer's impacts millions of families throughout America and in Illinois, and it is important that we give those impacted by the disease access to high-quality care. This bipartisan bill will increase education and training for primary care providers on Alzheimer’s, which will help improve detection and treatment for all forms of dementia, and support caregivers. I am proud to join this bipartisan group on the AADAPT Act and continue our advocacy for high-quality Alzheimer’s and dementia care and treatments in Congress," said Rep. LaHood.

Rep. Tonko expressed his support for the legislation, stating, “Millions across the nation are currently suffering from the disease of Alzheimer’s. These individuals and their families carry a heavy burden, but having the expertise of a primary care physician can alleviate some of that burden and drastically improve quality of care. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this legislation to provide education and training to health care providers and ensure they are equipped with the resources needed to deliver the expert care their patients deserve.”

Rep. Carter, drawing from his experience in pharmacy, emphasized the importance of expert care for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia. He stated, “Primary care physicians, who are often on the front lines of treating dementia, are asking for more resources and education to provide better care for their patients. Congress is listening, and I’m proud to lead the AADAPT Act alongside Reps. Barragán, LaHood, and Tonko to help bridge the divide.”

Rep. Barragán, with personal experience of her mother having Alzheimer's, highlighted the significance of early detection of the disease. She emphasized, “The earlier Alzheimer’s disease is detected, the more time patients and families have to assess treatment and spend time with their loved ones. Often, primary care physicians make the initial diagnoses for Alzheimer's patients, and ensuring they have the tools necessary to do so is critical for timely diagnoses. That is why I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to provide Alzheimer’s and dementia education and training to more primary care physicians.”

Robert Egge, AIM President and Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer, commended the bipartisan efforts of Reps. Carter, Barragán, LaHood, and Tonko, stating, “The bipartisan AADAPT Act will empower primary care providers to better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality, person-centered care in community-based settings.”