Bill co-authored by Barrett to combat dementia ceremonially signed into law
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 4, 2021) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) to implement a strategic plan to help Hoosiers with dementia.
Barrett, chair of the House Public Health Committee and a retired surgeon, said the new law requires the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Aging to develop a plan to combat the growing number of dementia cases in the state.
"Indiana has been behind compared to other states when it comes to implementing strategies that address dementia," Barrett said. "While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, with this law we're on the right track to more effectively combat this disease, and ultimately help the hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers who are affected by it every year."
As defined by the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a group of symptoms associated with declines in functions such as memory and reasoning. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which in turn can affect thinking and communication in individuals suffering from the disease.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, 2,561 Hoosiers passed away from dementia in 2019. In 2020, an estimated 110,000 individuals in Indiana were diagnosed with dementia – a number projected to rise to 130,000 by 2025.
The new law requires the FSSA to assess current and future dementia trends in Indiana, and identify strategies to increase awareness of the disease while developing a plan to help decrease the cost of care in the state. Barrett said the findings will be presented to the Indiana General Assembly to review, which could result in legislative proposals.
For more information on House Enrolled Act 1177, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
