In 2012, the Idaho Legislature established the Idaho Alzheimer’s Planning Group through passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 112. Tasked with determining how the state could best assist individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, the Planning Group included representatives from state agencies, advocacy agencies, academia, and community organizations as well as researchers, caregivers, individuals affected by Alzheimer's, and the governor. After conducting a year-long state assessment and soliciting input from community stakeholders and the public-at-large, A State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Addressing the Needs of Idahoans with ADRD, Their Caregivers, and Family Members was released. The Idaho legislature endorsed the statewide plan with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 34 in 2013.

Update the State Alzheimer’s Plan 

State Alzheimer’s Plans provide a pathway for state governments to ensure the needs of the dementia population in their states are being met. State Alzheimer’s Plans also establish accountability by helping to ensure policymakers create the infrastructure necessary to address this growing public health crisis. To ensure the Idaho State Alzheimer’s Plan reflects the best practices for being a dementia-capable state, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging state lawmakers to codify the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Alliance and update the Idaho State Alzheimer’s Plan every five years. Updating the State Plan on an established schedule will help Idaho stay up-to-date with the latest advances in Alzheimer’s research and the newest developments in treatment and care, and ensure the services offered by the state meet the needs of those diagnosed and their caregivers.