The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs convened on June 24, 2025, to address the growing public health crisis of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Massachusetts. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to improve care and support for individuals affected by these conditions.

One of the key testimonies came from a committee member who shared a personal story about their family's experience with Alzheimer's. They emphasized that over 135,000 individuals in Massachusetts currently live with the disease, which imposes significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. The speaker urged the committee to favorably report on Bill S 46, which aims to enhance public awareness, early detection, and coordination of services for Alzheimer's care.

The discussion also underscored the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's on diverse communities, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, who are statistically at a higher risk. The speaker called for expanded access to resources and support for these underserved groups to reduce stigma and improve early diagnosis.

Andrea Dottore from the Boston Public Health Commission further supported the legislative efforts by highlighting the projected increase in dementia diagnoses in Boston, with about 20,000 residents expected to be affected by 2030. She noted the commission's initiatives to educate the public about dementia risk factors and the importance of early detection and care coordination.

Both testimonies stressed the importance of public health campaigns to raise awareness and address the risk factors associated with dementia, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. They concluded with a call for continued legislative support to improve care and resources for those impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia in Massachusetts.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease, ensuring that affected individuals and their families receive the necessary support and care.