Hoops, Baker Legislation to Support Ohioans with Dementia

State Reps. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) this week introduced legislation to increase dementia awareness and education, ultimately strengthening the care and quality of life for Ohioans’ living with dementia and those who care for them.

Under the legislation, the Ohio Department of Health, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Aging, the Commission on Minority Health, and community organizations located throughout the state, will develop and distribute awareness information on Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

“It’s important that organizations and departments work together as we deal with a health issue that continues to affect patients and caregivers,” said Hoops.

“I’m excited to reintroduce this piece of legislation. It is critical that we raise awareness so that early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are taken seriously giving Ohioans the best opportunity for early intervention,” said Baker.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 236,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in Ohio and 16.5% of Ohioans aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.