A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) to ramp up training for providers working with people suffering from dementia received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives on July 20 and advanced to the U.S. Senate for action.
The Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act, H.R. 3747, aims to improve educational resources for healthcare workers so they may better support individuals and families living with dementia.
Rep. Balderson sponsored the bill in June 2025 with three original cosponsors, including Rep. LaHood and U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA).
“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most significant public health challenges facing our country today,” Rep. Balderson said. “The sooner we can identify Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the sooner patients and families can begin treatment, plan for the future, and access the care and support they need. I’m grateful to my House colleagues for joining me in passing the AADAPT Act to help bring high-quality care to more Ohioans.”
The legislation would strengthen and reauthorize the Project ECHO program, which connects primary care providers with specialists through virtual training, mentorship, and case-based learning. The program helps equip providers with the knowledge and confidence to identify potential cognitive impairment earlier, improve care coordination, and expand access to quality dementia care in communities that may lack specialty providers — particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases impact too many individuals and families throughout America and Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood during a House floor speech. “As co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Working Group, I am proud to co-lead legislation like the AADAPT Act to strengthen support for patients and ensure our local primary care providers have the specialized training they need to treat, diagnose, and care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.”
Alzheimer’s disease, which impacts more than seven million Americans, and other dementias are under-detected in the primary care setting about 50 percent of the time, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
H.R. 3747 would ensure individuals and families facing dementia receive earlier support, accurate information, and care that reflects their needs, the summary says.
“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to send the bill to the president’s desk so we can enhance the quality of care and strengthen our support for patients and their families,” Rep. LaHood added.