In Virginia, a dementia registry project is on the brink of becoming law. HB 1455, which has been backed by Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), awaits his signature to officially establish the Virginia Memory Project in state law. This project, a joint effort between Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Department of Health, aims to track dementia cases and other neurodegenerative diseases in the state.
The information collected will help policymakers and public health leaders develop policies that address the prevalence of these diseases and allocate resources equitably. The registry will also provide valuable data for individuals living with cognitive impairments and their caregivers throughout the state, including those in various care settings beyond assisted living facilities.
The Virginia Memory Project is one of four statewide dementia registries in the country supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under their Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Recent bills have been introduced to reauthorize the original 2018 act. The registry collects data on disease cases and caregivers, with a goal to inform policy solutions for individuals living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
LeadingAge Virginia has expressed support for this legislation, emphasizing the importance of collecting data related to brain health, memory, and caregiving for all adult Virginians. Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia stated that “the information gathered through this project will help prioritize resources for individuals with memory loss and caregivers throughout the state.”
Currently, over 700,000 cases of dementia have been identified through this project across the state. Individuals aged 18 and older can participate by completing a confidential online survey. This initiative aims to provide valuable data that supports well-being of individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers in Virginia.