Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee Presents Recommendations to Governor Corbett

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today presented the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders to Governor Tom Corbett on behalf of the members of the Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Disease Planning Committee, completing the group's year-long process to study the state's response to the disease and develop a plan to address it.

Governor Corbett established the 26-member committee by executive order on Feb. 7, 2013. It consisted of groups serving older Pennsylvanians, experts working in the field, legislators and medical professionals, as well as a Pennsylvanian living with the disease.  

"Governor Corbett and I thank the members of the committee for their dedication and commitment and for recognizing the challenges faced by Pennsylvanians with Alzheimer's and the strengths of the state to provide coordination and resources to address it," Duke said, who serves as the committee chair.

The committee was formed to examine the needs and research trends in Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's population; study existing resources and needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers; and develop a strategy that will mobilize Pennsylvania's response to the anticipated increase of Alzheimer's disease in the state.

Over 100 Pennsylvanians testified at six regional public meetings and over 330 comments were received through an online survey, correspondence and comments offered at five committee meetings.

"Both the Greater PA and Delaware Valley chapters of The Alzheimer's Association are extremely grateful to Governor Corbett for his leadership and Secretary Duke for his guidance as chair of the committee," said Kevin Tucker, chair of the Pennsylvania Public Coalition for both Alzheimer's Association chapters.

The recommendations seek to provide guidance for Pennsylvania in offering solutions for meeting the needs of all Pennsylvanians in all geographic regions as well as a renewed call for caring for those with the disease.

"The plan represents an exciting step toward addressing the epidemic that Pennsylvania faces and outlines aggressive and vital strategies for helping every person impacted by these maladies, be they personal or professional," Tucker said. "The association looks forward to working with Governor Corbett, the General Assembly, private partners, and individuals in developing the action items necessary to carry out the vision in this plan."

"The recommendations within the plan have the potential to define a course of action that increases awareness; improves care delivery; builds a workforce and maximizes development opportunities in pursuit of a cure," Duke said. "We look forward to reviewing it in more detail."

Nearly 400,000 Pennsylvanians are currently living with Alzheimer's disease or other related disorders.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, visit: www.aging.state.pa.us

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1550

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging