The Arkansas Alzheimer's and Dementia Public Health Act aims to address the growing public health crisis posed by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bill introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, which includes legislative findings that highlight the importance of early detection, coordinated care, and public health outreach in improving outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies to tackle modifiable risk factors and the necessity of enhanced data collection to inform public health policy.
To implement the Act, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health are tasked with collaborating on the State Alzheimer's Plan, which includes partnerships with healthcare providers, public health campaigns, and applications for federal funding. The Act mandates the integration of cognitive health education into existing public health programs and the establishment of a publicly accessible Alzheimer's and Dementia Data Dashboard. Additionally, it outlines the need for funding and resources to support these initiatives, with a target implementation date for educational campaigns set for January 1, 2026.