Preparing for the "Silver Tsunami" - State Government Alzheimer's Disease Plans Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States affecting over 5 million lives. According to 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, from 2000-2006 the number of Alzheimer deaths increased 46 percent, while the number of deaths due to stroke, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer decreased. Without a significant medical breakthrough, Alzheimer’s is likely to remain a leading cause of death for an aging baby boom generation, placing an enormous strain on families and state budgets. Without a plan to address the rapid growth of Alzheimer cases, state governments will be left unprepared to meet the health, social service, long-term care, public safety, transportation, and workforce needs of this population. A comprehensive state plan provides the mechanism to consider all of these issues collectively. The process involves bringing to the table such parties as: state agencies, legislators, residential and community care providers, professional and family caregivers, and persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Since 2007, twelve states have released state plans and are working to implement their recommendations. Eighteen additional states are in the process of developing a state plan. Join the national movement and ensure your state is ready for the impending “silver tsunami.” Also as states struggle to balance unprecedented budget deficits, the Alzheimer's Association sent a letter in support of extending the enhanced FMAP rate to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Without this money, we know states will have to make deeper cuts to the services and supports important to persons with Alzheimer's disease and their families. For information on what your state is doing, please contact your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter or me. Jenn Holcomb
Senior State Policy Specialist
Alzheimer's Association
1319 F Street NW, Suite 500
Washington DC 20004
Phone: 202.638.8668
Email: jennifer.holcomb@alz.org | 
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