RD262 - The 2015 Report of the Virginia Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission: Recommendations and Activities


Executive Summary:
Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 51.5-154, the Virginia Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission (Commission) must submit to the Governor, General Assembly, and Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) a report regarding the recommendations and activities of the Commission. The Commission, chaired by Courtney Tierney, develops and oversees the implementation of the Commonwealth's plan for meeting the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and their caregivers.

DEMENTIA STATE PLAN 2014-2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DATA AND RESEARCH: In 2015, Virginia is collecting important data on memory loss and caregiver stress through the annual public health Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey using the Caregiver and Cognitive Decline Modules.

TRAINING: Virginia allocated $50,000 for first responder training on Alzheimer’s and dementias. Virginia received a three-year, federal grant to advance the dementia-capability of the aging network and to implement caregiver and family counseling in the greater Charlottesville and Williamsburg regions.

COORDINATED CARE: Virginia amended the Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver regulation definition to include other related dementias effective September 9, 2015. The Commission expanded on its listing of interdisciplinary memory assessment clinics, available on http://www.AlzPossible.org.