A bill to improve Alzheimer's education and awareness

At a time when hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and their families are facing Alzheimer’s, state lawmakers are hoping to get an outreach and education program off the ground. 

The legislation to establish this program currently awaits approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

If signed, the program intends to promote earlier identification of the disease and provide information and assistance on community supports for the many families facing this challenge.  

“Because early intervention could actually help those families and delay the patient to move down the road to a nursing home,” said Sen. Iwen Chu (D-17th Senate District). 

About 427,000 people in New York are struggling with Alzheimer’s, according to data from the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Sen. Chu said this legislation would address a dire need for families across the state, especially immigrant families.  

“Often times, if you are an immigrant family, you don’t necessarily know the terminology, you don’t know where to go for help,” said Sen. Chu. 

Chu said this program would help families identify resources so that they can make informed decisions about their loved ones care.