Despite broad agreement that a clear diagnosis benefits patients, fewer than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s say they were told the diagnosis, according to a recent report
The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act would encourage doctors to discuss an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the treatment options to ensure patients and families have information on supports and services that may help improve or maintain quality of life
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is continuing to help lead the fight against Alzheimer’s by cosponsoring a bill to support patients and their families as they deal with the disease. Despite broad agreement that a clear diagnosis benefits patients, fewer than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s say they were told the diagnosis, according to a recent Alzheimer's Association report. The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act would encourage doctors to discuss an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the treatment options to ensure patients and families have information on supports and services that may help improve or maintain quality of life.
“Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, so many of us know a loved one who has faced the disease,” Klobuchar said. “I have consistently fought to increase funding for research to help prevent Alzheimer’s in the first place, and we must also ensure that Americans who have already been diagnosed have the support they deserve. This bill will help patients and their families understand their diagnosis and the treatment options available to them, allowing them to better manage the care they need.”
The Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act would create a new benefit for comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease care planning services under Medicare, giving patients and their families the opportunity to schedule an appointment with their doctor to help them understand the disease and options for ongoing treatment and services, as well as to receive information about to how to obtain this support.
Klobuchar has been a vocal advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s. She has continually fought for additional support for research. She and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) took to the Senate floor in February to urge Congress to prioritize the prevention of Alzheimer’s and to develop effective treatments for the disease by 2025. They also sent a letter to President Obama in January calling for additional support for federal Alzheimer’s research to help find a way to prevent and effectively treat the disease by 2025. Klobuchar has introduced the Americans Giving Care to Elders Act that would give family caregivers a tax credit and other assistance to help alleviate the financial burdens that come with caring for a loved one.
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