Be a Part of the Fight to End Alzheimer’s
Be a Part of the Fight to End Alzheimer’s
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Maine Chapter Advocacy
Become an advocate and help advance public policies that continue to make Alzheimer’s a local and national priority.
Maine Advocacy Day
Join us for Maine Advocacy Day to hear from our bipartisan legislative champions, get the latest updates on bills that support people living with dementia and their family caregivers, and meet with your state legislators.Sign up to become an advocate.
Maine public health data
A public health approach is necessary to lessen the burden and enhance the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, caregivers, and their families.Maine public health data:
- Alzheimer’s Statistics (PDF)
- Cognitive Decline (PDF)
- Dementia Caregiving (PDF)
- Risk Factors (PDF)
- County-level Alzheimer’s Prevalence (PDF)
Maine policy priorities
Working with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Maine Chapter fight for critical research, prevention and care initiatives at the federal and state levels. From increased research funding to improving Alzheimer’s care and support policies, we aim to advance critical federal and state policy priorities.Learn about Maine policy priorities.
State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine
We are exicted to announce the release of the first ever State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine. The plan is a result of a state taskforce that was convened by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to LD 859, legislation sponsored by State Sen. Margaret Craven of Lewiston, which was signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage in June 2011. Maine’s Office of Elder Services partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter to recruit additional stakeholders to serve on workgroups to develop the plan over an 11-month period. Individuals from across the state were involved, including family and professional caregivers. The Maine State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias will help guide our response to meeting the needs of individuals and their families affected by mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia today, tomorrow and into the next decade.This legislative session we have supported the following bills that directly correspond with our State Plan:
- LD 442: An Act to Create a Family Caregiver Income Tax Credit. “The costs of caring for a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia can have striking effects on a household. These costs can jeopardize the ability to buy food, leading to food insecurity and increasing the risks of poor nutrition and hunger. In addition, the costs can make it more difficult for individuals and families to maintain their own health and financial security. Better solutions are needed now.” Read our Public Testimony for LD 442 in its entirety.
- LD 1097: An Act to Develop and Distribute Work Training Pamphlets to Educate State Agencies, Private Businesses and other Organizations about Dementia. “We often say, ‘You can try and ignore this disease but it will not ignore you.’ Dispelling misinformation, stigma and encouraging early diagnosis is crucial to combat this devastating disease. LD 1097 aims to do just that.” Read our Public Testimony for LD 1097 in its entirety.
- LD 1314: Resolve, To Improve Access to Neurobehavioral Services. “Smooth transitions between care settings and coordination among health and long-term care service providers are essential to ensure high quality, cost efficient care, particularly given the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.” Read our Public Testimony for LD 1314 in its entirety.
- LD 1466: An Act To Address Severe and Ongoing Shortfalls in the Funding of Direct Care Workers in Long-term Care Settings and To Establish the Commission To Study Long-term Care Workforce Issues. “LD 1466’s call for wage increases for direct care workers will help us fill the ranks and improve access and quality of care here in Maine, and ultimately rein in costs across the state.” Read our Public Testimony for LD 1466 in its entirety.
We are currently working with house leadership on legislation that would provide paid leave for family caregivers. Stay tuned for more details.
Advocacy volunteering
By advocating on behalf of those living with Alzheimer's and dementia and their families, the Maine Chapter advocates help pass critical legislation in Congress, increase federal research funding and support state initiatives. Explore advocacy volunteer opportunities.Contact Congress
Advocates are urging Congress to build upon the past decade of progress by updating and expanding the work of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), which has paved the way for our nation to address Alzheimer's and other dementia. Ask Congress to take action.
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