CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Feb. 13, 2025 – Nearly 100 volunteer advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina and Eastern North Carolina Chapters gathered in Raleigh on February 11 for North Carolina Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day. They urged lawmakers to support better access to early diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s and increased funding for Project C.A.R.E., the only state-funded dementia-specific respite care program.
Advocates from 31 counties, representing all regions of the state, met with 140 legislators and staff. They shared personal stories displaying the true need of the dementia community, aiming to raise awareness and drive legislative action on policies to improve the lives of North Carolina families affected by Alzheimer’s. Currently, over 210,000 people in the state live with Alzheimer’s, and 373,000 family and friends provide care.
This year’s state policy priorities include:
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Access to biomarker testing in North Carolina: Urging state legislators to sponsor a bill that will provide access to biomarker testing for the more than 210,000 North Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s, reducing the time it takes to receive a diagnosis and enabling access to new disease-modifying treatments and care planning.
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Increasing respite care funding to Project C.A.R.E.: Dementia caregivers bear nearly twice the average out-of-pocket costs of non-dementia caregivers, having to cover medical care, personal care and household expenses for the person with dementia, in addition to the significant toll it takes on a caregiver’s own health. Increased funding will allow more caregivers to receive the help they need, through this dementia-specific respite program.
“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most critical public health issues in America, affecting one in three older adults. This is why we unrelentingly advocate for public policies that increase quality of life and support for all those affected,” said Katherine Lambert, CEO, Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. “We are grateful to all the volunteers who traveled to Raleigh to share their experiences and advocate for progress in the fight against this disease.”
Those unable to attend N.C. Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day may still use their voice by taking action online for our two legislative priorities, by visiting alz-nc.quorum.us/2025ALZ.
More information about the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy efforts in North Carolina, visit alzimpact.org/North_Carolina or call 800-272-3900.
RESOURCES:
Backgrounder Document – State Advocacy Day Priority Ask Information
Fact Sheet – Alzheimer’s in NC (Alz. Assoc. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures)
Prevalence Information – NC Alzheimer’s Disease Prevalence Data by County
ADDITIONAL FACTS AND FIGURES: (alz.org/facts)
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An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including 210,000 in North Carolina.
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Nationally, there are more than 11 million caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. In North Carolina, 373,000 caregivers provide a total of 723 million hours of unpaid care, valued at a total of $10.9 billion.
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Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s are women.
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Older non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately more likely than older whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®.
About the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter:
The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 49 central and western North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs and care consultations. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.