Bipartisan, bicameral bill would improve Alzheimer’s disease assessment, diagnosis
WASHINGTON – Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), yesterday introduced the Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at promoting early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
It directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to identify cognitive impairment detection tools to help clinicians more effectively detect, refer and diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias in their earliest stages when intervention can be most impactful.
“Like countless families across the country, mine has personally felt the heartbreaking toll of Alzheimer’s,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Having lost both of my parents to this cruel disease, I understand how critical early diagnosis can be. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill would early assessments and offer crucial resources for families. As our population continues to age and diagnoses expected to rise, we can’t afford to wait."
“Alzheimer’s affects millions of Americans, and we must be relentless in our search for a cure,” said Congressman LaHood. “I am proud to work alongside Rep. Sánchez to reintroduce the CHANGE Act to strengthen existing tools within Medicare, helping to streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of dementia. It is critical that Congress find ways to support patients, their families, and caregivers.”
“We need a comprehensive approach to tackle the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s and to support the millions of Americans battling against this disease. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improve care and prolong the life of loved ones,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The CHANGE Act provides important tools to deliver early support and high-value care. I applaud my colleagues for advancing this bipartisan effort as we continue taking steps forward to prevent, treat, and put an end to Alzheimer’s.”
“As research continues to yield advancement in the development of more treatment options for patients with Alzheimer’s, we know that early detection, diagnosis and intervention offers the best promise for disease management,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “My family has coped with the devastating impacts of this horrific disease for more than a decade, so I understand the toll it takes on the patient and his or her loved ones as it progresses. We owe it to our fellow Americans to develop a system of care that prioritizes education, screening and assessment so that patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.”
“As we continue to search for breakthroughs in the fight against Alzheimer’s, we must ensure our health care system is doing its part to identify the disease earlier and connect patients and families with the tools they need. The CHANGE Act focuses on practical improvements – like earlier screening and detection – that can make a meaningful difference right now. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill to help improve outcomes, ease the burden on caregivers, and move us closer to ending this devastating disease,” said Senator Capito.
“Having watched my mother battle Alzheimer’s for a decade before her passing, I know this is a devastating disease that impacts not just the individual, but the entire family. Our legislation is key to helping secure an early diagnosis that will allow for better care, earlier access to treatment, and more support for families navigating this difficult journey,” said Senator Warner.
The CHANGE Act is endorsed by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, American Academy of Neurology, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, Alliance for Aging Research, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Gerontological Society of America, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Latinos Against Alzheimer’s and USAging.
“The reintroduction of the CHANGE Act is a powerful display of bipartisan, bicameral leadership stepping up to confront the growing Alzheimer’s crisis,” said George Vradenburg, founder and CEO, UsAgainstAlzheimer's. “Representatives Sánchez, LaHood, Matsui, and Bilirakis, along with Senators Capito and Warner, recognize that early detection and timely intervention are extremely important to improving outcomes for patients and reducing strain on families and our healthcare system. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s proudly supports this legislation, which shifts our country’s approach from reacting too late to acting early – where we have the greatest chance to change lives and make a difference.”
“Early detection of cognitive impairment is vital, which is why annual cognitive assessments should be part of everyone’s wellness routine,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president and CEO, Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). “Performing cognitive assessments during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and the Welcome to Medicare Visit, as the CHANGE Act would require, would enhance early detection efforts, provide greater opportunities for treatments or clinical trials, and improve quality of life. As an organization which provides free memory screenings through our National Memory Screening Program, AFA is pleased to support the CHANGE Act. We thank Representatives Sanchez, LaHood, Matsui and Bilirakis and Senators Capito and Warner for introducing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all members of Congress who support its passage.”
With an estimated 13.8 million Americans aged 65 and older projected to develop Alzheimer’s by 2060, the CHANGE Act focuses on providing critical support for caregivers and accelerating progress toward effective, disease-modifying treatments.
Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth-leading cause of death in America, and it is estimated that Black Americans are twice as likely and Latinos are 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer's.
Text of the legislation is available HERE.
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