Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood, along with Representatives Troy Balderson, Nanette Barragán, and Paul Tonko, has reintroduced the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This legislation aims to provide primary care providers with enhanced tools and training to improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

“Alzheimer’s impacts countless families throughout America and Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AADAPT Act to empower our local primary care providers with the specialized training they need to better treat, diagnose, and care for patients living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Congress must strengthen the quality of care to ease the burdens on families and give patients the support they deserve.”

The AADAPT Act seeks to address a significant issue faced by over seven million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Many primary care providers, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, lack adequate resources and training for diagnosing and treating these conditions. Currently, Alzheimer's disease is under-detected about 50 percent of the time in primary care settings.

This legislation aims to ensure that individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s receive timely support, accurate information, and care tailored to their needs. The act represents an important move toward closing diagnostic gaps and reducing disparities in care for rural communities.