Delaware County Review

Today, Congressman Balderson introduced the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This legislation aims to equip primary care providers with the necessary tools and training to detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer's remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, affecting more than 7 million Americans, including over 236,000 individuals in Ohio. There is an increasing need for timely diagnosis and effective community-based care. Many primary care providers, particularly those serving rural or underserved populations, report a lack of training and resources to manage Alzheimer's confidently.

"As new treatments emerge and our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease advances, timely and accurate diagnoses are more critical than ever," stated Balderson. "Today, half of Americans living with Alzheimer’s remain undiagnosed, and most diagnoses come from primary care physicians, not dementia specialists. By expanding access to education and training, we can better prepare healthcare providers to detect, diagnose, and deliver high-quality care—leading to better treatment and improved quality of life."

Rachel Conant from the Alzheimer's Association highlighted that "the bipartisan AADAPT Act aims to address this challenge by offering virtual education and training for primary care providers." She expressed gratitude towards Congress for reintroducing this legislation.

The AADAPT Act focuses on delivering specialized training directly to frontline healthcare providers. It seeks to ensure that individuals facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis receive earlier support with more accurate information tailored to their personal needs. This legislative effort also aims at closing the diagnosis gap while reducing disparities in rural communities.

Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) is co-sponsoring the bill.