Alzheimer's advocates ask delegation for $1.5 million public‑awareness campaign and caregiver supports
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Summary
Christine Berger of the Alzheimer's Association urged the Palm Beach County legislative delegation to fund a statewide awareness campaign, codify the Alzheimer's Center of Excellence and increase funding for respite services to eliminate wait lists for caregivers.
Christine Berger, speaking for the Alzheimer's Association, urged the delegation to fund a statewide public‑health awareness campaign and to strengthen care and caregiver supports in Florida. Berger said Florida remains a national leader in dementia care but noted Palm Beach County is among the top 100 U.S. counties for Alzheimer's prevalence, citing an estimate of about 51,600 residents age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's or dementia in the county.
Berger asked lawmakers to appropriate $1,500,000 for a multi‑platform public awareness campaign to promote early recognition, testing and access to new FDA‑approved diagnostic tools. She also asked the delegation to codify the Alzheimer's Center of Excellence (the FACE program) and to increase funding for the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative to reduce caregiver respite wait lists.
Berger described her own experience as a caregiver and as someone living with mild cognitive impairment and said earlier diagnosis allows people to seek care that can slow disease progression. She thanked the delegation for past work and urged prompt action during the 2026 session.
What was not specified: Berger did not provide line‑item budget language, nor did she identify specific legislative sponsors for the $1.5 million request during her public remarks.
