DIAGNOSIS: ALZHEIMER'S: States are taking bipartisan action to combat one of the nation's costliest diseases.

• Author: Scotti, Samantha
• Position: HEALTH CARE

It wasn't long ago that Scott Plakon thought of Alzheimer's as that disease that causes you to forget things then eventually die.

But in 2014, the Florida Republican received the devastating news that his wife of 29 years, Susie, who was then 53 years old, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Between then and her death in July 2018, Plakon not only learned to recognize the disease for what it truly is, but also became a champion of the Alzheimer's awareness movement: speaking at rallies, filing legislation and protecting and enhancing funding in his state's budget.

"It's just become a life's calling," he says. "Before Susie's diagnosis I didn't know about myoclonic or grand mal seizures, the agitation, sundown syndrome, hospital stays from injuries from the seizure falls or wandering--I once found her in our neighborhood doing one of our neighbor's dishes, and the sheriff was called."

There were so many things, Plakon says, that "go along with Alzheimer's and I didn't know anything about it."

"I didn't know about being in the middle of a parking lot while she's extremely agitated and wondering if people are calling the police because they think you're taking some sort of aggressive action toward your wife because you're trying to get her in the car," he says. "So, I've tried to use the platform I've been given as a state legislator to bring greater awareness, and it seems to be working."

Widespread and Increasing

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive neurological illness that impairs the thinking and independence of millions of people worldwide. It's usually diagnosed in people 65 and older, but it starts earlier with subtle neurological changes occurring years or even decades before symptoms appear. An estimated 5.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's, and reports anticipate this number will more than double to 11.6 million by 2040.

To prepare for the increase, 49 states and territories have published a state Alzheimer's plan. The reports examine the current effect of Alzheimer's in each state and outline steps that could be taken over the next three to five years to support people with the disease and their families.

Included in nearly every state plan: recommendations for dementia training for health care and support workers. Most state plans also have provisions to improve the care received by those with the disease and to assist unpaid caregivers. Other areas of overlap among the plans...