Bilirakis, Sánchez, LaHood, and Matsui Introduce Bill to Improve Assessment, Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) re-introduced the Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act to encourage early assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With as many as 13.8 million Americans ages 65 and older expected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2060, the legislation seeks to aide caregivers and accelerate progress to disease modifying treatments.  Companion legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

“As research continues to yield advancement in the development of more treatment options for patients with Alzheimer’s, we know that early detection, diagnosis and intervention offers the best promise for disease management,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “My family has coped with the devastating impacts of this horrific disease for more than a decade, so I understand the toll it takes on the patient and his or her loved ones as it progresses.  We owe it to our fellow Americans to develop a system of care that prioritizes education, screening and assessment so that patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.”

“Like countless families nationwide, my family knows all too well the devastating toll Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can have. After seeing both of my parents struggle with the disease, I know how critical a timely diagnosis is. Family caregivers make tremendous sacrifices to offer the necessary support and care for their loved ones. It is vital that we ensure they have as much information and help as early as possible,” said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to re-introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to promote and streamline early assessment and diagnosis. The CHANGE Act offers crucial assistance to patients and their family caregivers. With millions more Americans, particularly people of color, expected to be diagnosed in the coming decades, we have no time to waste.”

"Alzheimer's affects millions of Americans each day, and the search for a cure must be relentless. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that will provide help to patients, families, caregivers, and physicians through expanded early detection support and improved data collection," said Congressman Darin LaHood. "The CHANGE Act will strengthen existing tools within Medicare to help streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of dementia. As a strong advocate in Congress to find an end to Alzheimer's, I will continue to work to find ways to support patients and their families."

“The devastating impact of Alzheimer’s necessitates a comprehensive approach to support the millions of Americans battling against this disease. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improve care and prolong the life of loved ones," said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “The CHANGE Act provides important tools to deliver early support and high-value care. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort once again as we continue taking steps forward to prevent, treat, and put an end to Alzheimer’s.”

Organizations supporting this legislation include: UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, Alliance for Aging Research, and US Aging.

“There has never been a more important time to pass the CHANGE Act than now. New treatment options, such as leqembi, which the FDA approved earlier this month, are most effective for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. By requiring CMS to develop a uniform and reliable detection tool, and incentivizing healthcare providers to put an emphasis on early detection, the CHANGE Act could open the door for millions of Alzheimer’s patients to access medications that slow the progression of the disease and preserve their quality of life for a longer period of time,” said George Vradenburg, Chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

In 2021, Alzheimer’s disease was the seventh-leading cause of death in America, and it is estimated that Black Americans are twice as likely and Latinos are 1.5 times as likely to develop Alzheimer's. The CHANGE Act supports, incentivizes, and authorizes high-value Alzheimer’s patient care, caregiver support, and research initiatives to improve prevention and treatment and move toward a cure for the disease.

Specifically, the CHANGE Act:

• Requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify cognitive impairment detection tools to help clinicians detect, refer, and diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias in their earliest stages.