Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted a more than $12 million increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia funding, bringing the state’s total commitment to over $51 million for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year, furthering his strong commitment to the advancement of research needed for this disease.
Florida is the only state in the nation that has Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias listed as its own priority within a State Health Improvement Plan.
“In Florida, we continue to put our Seniors First,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Some of the most difficult health conditions that impact many seniors are Alzheimer’s and dementia and as more innovative early intervention therapies are developed to mitigate the effects and severity of these conditions, awareness of the initial signs and symptoms are increasingly important. Our strong financial commitment of $51 million allows Florida to prioritize the advancement of research and support needed for this disease.”
Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in Florida. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in Florida. In this disease and related conditions, brain cells and nerves responsible for cognition and memories degenerate.
Approximately 580,000 people are now living with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida and this number is projected to increase to over 720,000 by 2025.
Florida’s Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI) engages communities across Florida to be more dementia caring and has created 16 DCCI task forces throughout the state.
Florida became the first state in the country to offer Project VITAL (Virtual Inclusive Technology for All) dementia-capable tablets throughout the state to seniors living in long-term care facilities and at home living with cognitive impairments and the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee continues to advance Florida’s infrastructure to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Each year, the Florida Department of Health awards grants and fellowships through the Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program. This program funds research related to Alzheimer’s disease, improving the health of Floridians by studying the diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Last year, the Florida Department of Health announced 22 projects to receive grant funding, totaling $4.5 million.
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