(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A bill passed by Illinois state lawmakers would make training on the detection of Alzheimer's disease and care for patients a requirement for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.
Jennifer Belkov of the Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said only about 45% of dementia cases are formally diagnosed.
People with Alzheimer's who are not accurately diagnosed cannot participate in clinical trials of new treatments, Belkov tells WBBM Newsradio.
“They’re also not able to access vital resources that are provided by the state or federal government and even private entities,” Belkov said.
Medical professionals can also refer patients to specialists if they are unsure of the diagnosis, she said.
About 230,000 people in Illinois are known to have Alzheimer's disease. That number is expected to double in less than 30 years.
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