Alzheimer’s advocates rally for state legislation amid federal funding concerns

By Lis Fonseca

Advocates for Alzheimer’s patients gathered at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, urging lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at improving care and early diagnosis while voicing concerns over potential federal funding cuts that could hinder research advancements. 

Among those advocating for change was Dan Hogan, who was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in May 2023 after experiencing symptoms for a decade. Speaking at the event organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, Hogan emphasized the importance of legislative action to support individuals like him. 

Two proposed measures were at the center of discussions. One would mandate additional training for emergency responders who interact with Alzheimer’s patients, while the other aims to ensure insurance coverage for early diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

“Early diagnosis is a game changer,” said Jim Wessler, president of the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts and New Hampshire chapter. He highlighted the need for blood tests to detect the disease’s hallmarks and stressed that financial barriers should not prevent people from accessing these crucial diagnostic tools. 

Dr. Brent Forester, Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medicine, expressed concerns over possible reductions in federal funding, which could stall promising Alzheimer’s research and deter new professionals from entering the field. 

“There are all sorts of therapeutic strategies that are not yet ready for prime time,” Forester explained. “If funding starts to chip away, not only will we fall behind in advancing these treatments, but we may also see a decline in researchers pursuing careers in Alzheimer’s research.” 

Wessler echoed these concerns, warning that funding delays could impact millions of Americans living with the disease. “The thought of these advancements being stopped or even delayed for years is unconscionable,” he said. 

Despite the challenges, Hogan remains hopeful. “People like myself need to have hope,” he said. “The possibility is that in five years I may still be fine. But if I spend my time worrying and being depressed about it, that’s not a good use of my time.” 

More than 135,000 individuals in Massachusetts are currently living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Advocates stress that early diagnosis, proper care, and sustained funding for research are essential to improving outcomes for patients and their families. 

State lawmakers have yet to announce when they will take action on the proposed bills.