Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 Massachusetts House passes legislation to strengthen Alzheimer’s and dementia care Legislation expands fi rst responder training, strengthens hospital care, supports caregivers and advances brain health initiatives across the Commonwealth Special to Th e Advocate O n July 29, 2026, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to strengthen dementia care, improve support for families and caregivers, expand workforce training and enhance public health eff orts to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias across the Commonwealth. The bill takes a comprehensive approach to improving care for individuals living with dementia while equipping health care providers, fi rst responders, hospitals and state agencies with the tools and resources needed to “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated better serve patients. On July 30, the Massachusetts Senate referred the bill to its committee on Ways & Means. “Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are devastating illnesses that profoundly aff ect not only those diagnosed, but also the families and caregivers faced with the challenges of caring for their loved one. This legislation is about ensuring that the Commonwealth is doing all that it can to care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by strengthening training, by improving coordination across the health care system, and by investing in a workforce that is better prepared to provide the care that diagnosed individuals need,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (DQuincy). “I want to thank Leader Gregorie and Chair Stanley for their work on this legislation, as well as all my colleagues in the House for supporting these important reforms.” “While the Commonwealth is a global pioneer in advancing Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia treatment Jessica Ann Giannino State Representative and prevention, we can’t rest on our laurels,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (DWaltham), who is House Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Aging and Independence. “The prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementia is expected to increase substantially over the next decade and at the same time we are experiencing workforce challenges and a shrinking pool of family caregivers.” “Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia touch far too many families, and I know fi rsthand how diffi cult it can be to watch a loved one navigate these diseases. This legislation is about meeting people where they are, supporting caregivers, improving care for patients, and ensuring that the professionals who Jeff rey Rosario Turco State Representative serve our communities have the training and resources they need. From fi rst responders to hospitals to care coordination, we’re taking meaningful steps to build a more compassionate, prepared, and dementia-friendly Commonwealth. I’m proud to support this bipartisan eff ort to improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia and the families who stand beside them every day,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere). “With the rise of our friends, families and neighbors affl icted with Alzheimer’s, this legislation takes a wholistic approach to addressing the needs of patients and families. It seeks to be better service, increased education and seamless coordination in addressing this affliction,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). The legislation establishes mandatory dementia training programs for municipal and state law enforcement offi cers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. Developed by the Municipal Police Training Committee, the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Colonel of the State Police, and the Executive Offi ce of Aging and Independence in consultation with Alzheimer’s organizations and other stakeholders, the training will require at least two hours of initial instruction followed by biennial continuing education. The bill expands notifi cation requirements so that families or legal representatives are informed of an initial diagnosis of any dementia — not solely Alzheimer’s disease — and esMASS. HOUSE | SEE Page 8
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