Journey with Dementia: Advocacy and the Role of Politics

Politics plays a crucial role in tackling Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses because of the need for policy creation, adherence to regulations, and fiscal resource allocation and management. It also can be a vehicle of cooperation with local support organizations to assist and educate families whose loved ones have dementia.

Senator Malcolm Augustine of District 47, Prince George's County, is invited to this podcast by Perry Limes. They talk about the government's role and how it might assist communities to deal with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses more effectively. They also discuss the prejudices that people of color face when seeking medical help. The listener is introduced to the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council, and the role the council plays to assist persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Senate Bill 27, piece of legislation that has great potential to impact the experience for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, is presented and discussed.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Politics for Those Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Improving the Healthcare Situation for Communities of Colors

An Overview and Role of Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council

An Overview of the Senate Bill 27, "Dementia Services Act of 2022" legislation

Takeaways of our Guest for Folks Advocating for More Support for Individuals with Dementia

Governor Hogan signed SB 27 into law on May 16, 2022

Quotes

We will get them (families whose loved one has dementia) connected to local support groups who have experience in dementia and can help these folks navigate these very difficult situations. - Senator Malcolm

Implicit bias training is one of the things we're focusing on there to assist the complete spectrum of persons involved in this care in better understanding what they're coming in with and hope that they'll be able to treat people fairly and with dignity. - Senator Malcolm

Featured in this Episode

Senator Malcolm Augustine
47th Legislative District, Prince George's County
Website: https://www.malcolmaugustine.com/
Profile: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa18049.html
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MalcolmLAugustine

Perry Limes
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Hospice of the Chesapeake
Profile: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/perry-limes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrylimes

Prince George's Health and Human Services: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2234/Health-Human-Services

Alzheimer's Association:
https://www.alz.org/

Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/ccdpc/Pages/Alzheimers-Council.asp

Thanks and Appreciations

We'd like to thank the John and Cathy Belcher Institute for their generous support of our community outreach and education programs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:54 The Impact of Politics and How Senator Augustine becomes an advocate for individuals with dementia
04:58 How Can Senators Help Individuals with Dementia with their Constituents
06:48 Coordination between Federal level and State level to address dementia
08:00 Making the Situation Better for Communities of Color
10:58 About the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Council
13:37 About the Senate Bill 27, "Dementia Services Act of 2022"
16:10 The Allocation of Funds for Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
18:16 Suggestions and Recommendations for Folks Advocating for More Support
19:54 Thanks and Appreciation