WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his support for the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s act, a bill that would ensure that patients and their families have the information they need to combat this difficult disease. King’s announcement comes during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

“When Alzheimer’s strikes one person, it creates very difficult challenges for their entire family,” said Senator King. “And while healthcare professionals are constantly employing new medical advancements to fight this disease, an equally powerful tool in this struggle is information. Giving patients and their families a better understanding of their situation and options moving forward can make all the difference, and that’s what the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act is all about.”

The HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would ensure that patients and their families have access to a planning session with their doctor so that they better understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and other services available to them. Past studies have shown that individuals living with Alzheimer’s have a better quality of life when the entire family has access to this information. These positive outcomes include higher quality of care, increased use of needed community services, reduced patient behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, and reduced caregiver stress and depression.

This legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is also a co-sponsor. King also cosponsored the bill when it was introduced last Congress.

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