CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois is trying to strengthen its fight against Alzheimer's disease, as part of a package of bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Monday on Senior Day at the Illinois State Fair.
One bill requires more training for some healthcare employees and treating dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
“The steps that we’re taking today mark a bipartisan commitment to ensuring that Illinois seniors can live their best lives. That starts with our effort to expand Alzheimer’s awareness and to bring the world close to eradicating this heartbreaking disease,” Pritzker said.
For Lt. Gov. Juliana Stretton, the bills are personal. She was a caregiver for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s.
"I took my mom to the doctor on a regular basis. But, despite this fact, her health care professionals did not detect the signs of Alzheimer's until it had already advanced. We were all totally taken off guard. Illinois is now the first state in the nation to require training for adult-serving health care professionals in diagnosing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia,” Stretton said.
Other bills require long-term care facilities to enable virtual visits; set up e-learning for some driver's tests, and create an Alzheimer's lottery game.
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