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Senate panel approves bill to reestablish Alzheimer's and dementia advisory council
Summary
The committee passed HB 14-34 to reestablish an Alzheimer—s and dementia advisory council and require regular updates to a state plan; witnesses said more than 58,000 Arkansans 65+ live with Alzheimer—s and the number could exceed 67,000 by 2025. Advocates highlighted caregiver burdens and gaps in community services.
Senator Ricky Hill told the committee HB 14-34 would reestablish an Alzheimer's and dementia advisory council and help Arkansas update and implement a state Alzheimer—s plan. David Cook of the Alzheimer's Association described the issue as a growing public-health crisis: "Today, more than 58, 58, excuse me, more than 58,000 Arkansans over the age of 65 currently live with Alzheimer's," he said, adding that number is expected to rise to over 67,000 by 2025.
Why it mattered: Witnesses said the council and state plan would prioritize early detection, caregiver support, workforce training and interagency coordination. Caregivers who testified described the personal and financial toll of long-term care and the scarcity of community services such as dementia-capable day programs.
Support and testimony: David Cook outlined prior state efforts (referring to an original state plan adopted around 2011 and a council created then that later sunset). Gigi Gabriel and Carrie Jordan (caregivers representing Alzheimer's Arkansas and nursing/caregiving fields) gave first-hand testimony about caregiving burdens, the mental-health and economic impacts on families, and service gaps.
Outcome: Committee members asked few substantive questions; HB 14-34 passed on a voice vote and will proceed to further consideration.
Next steps: Passage reopens the process of developing and updating a coordinated statewide dementia strategy; the bill also aims to position the state to apply for federal funding rounds and to designate agency and stakeholder responsibilities for implementation.
