Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer's Provider Training Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Guthrie and everyone involved with this piece of legislation for their leadership, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3747, the AADAPT Act. I am proud to co-lead alongside Representative Balderson, Representative Barragan, and Representative Tonko.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing public health crisis that is sadly projected to affect nearly 14 million Americans by 2050. Yet, today, Alzheimer's and related dementias go undetected in the primary care setting roughly half of the time.

With a rapidly aging population, we must ensure that primary care providers have the training and resources they need to recognize early signs of cognitive decline and connect patients and families with the appropriate care and support.

The AADAPT Act is about making sure expertise reaches every provider community. It helps detect, diagnose, and manage Alzheimer's earlier and more effectively, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to dementia specialists can be very limited.

Earlier diagnoses have never be more important than now. As new diagnostic tools and treatment options continue to emerge, helping providers identify patients sooner can improve care planning and give patients greater support when early intervention is most impactful.

This legislation is a critical step toward closing the diagnosis gap and reducing care disparities in rural communities. Let's give providers the resources they need by utilizing these impactful virtual education programs that help reach vulnerable patients.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-lead this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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