The Indiana Statehouse wasn’t just decked in purple for a fashion moment Tuesday, Jan. 13. It was symbolic of a growing movement of Hoosiers — caregivers, people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, health care advocates and public health activists — urging state legislators to take concrete action on one of the most pressing public health crises facing the state and nation.
More than a dozen advocates from across Indiana gathered for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Indiana State Advocacy Day 2026, meeting with lawmakers to share deeply personal stories and push for bipartisan policy solutions that would help the more than 121,000 Hoosiers living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and the countless family members and caregivers whose lives are marked by the disease.
Advocates participated in 21 individual meetings with legislators, offering testimony and urging support for two key pieces of proposed legislation. House Bill 1426, authored by Representatives Hunter Smith, Steve Bartels and Becky Cash, would require firefighters and certified or licensed emergency medical services personnel to complete training on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The goal of the training is to equip first responders with the tools they need to recognize individuals with cognitive impairment and interact with them safely during emergency situations.
House Bill 1029, originally filed in late 2025 and championed by Rep. Gregory W. Porter, would expand Alzheimer’s and dementia education efforts across the state by requiring the Indiana Department of Health to collaborate with national Alzheimer’s organizations, provide outreach materials on state platforms and work with additional partners to educate Hoosiers about the disease. The bill passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives with a 13-0 vote in the House Public Health Committee, marking a major victory for advocates.
“Today’s momentum brings us closer to a future where Hoosiers living with dementia and those who care for them receive the understanding, safety and support they deserve,” said Laura Aust, advocacy manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “Our advocates showed up with courage, compassion and determination, and their voices made a real impact.”
The significance of this advocacy day comes against the backdrop of Alzheimer’s staggering toll across the United States.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, more than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia — and that figure could grow to nearly 13 million by 2050 if there is no cure or breakthrough prevention. The data also show the immense financial and caregiving burden of the disease, with unpaid caregivers providing billions of hours of care valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
At the national level, Alzheimer’s is more than just a chronic illness; it is a burgeoning public health crisis. The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among older adults, and its prevalence continues to rise as the population ages.
The Alzheimer’s Association, which releases the annual Facts and Figures report used by policymakers and researchers nationwide, points to the disease’s increasing impact on families, health care systems and state and federal budgets alike.
Supporters of the Indiana legislation say early awareness, training and education are essential components of a comprehensive public health strategy.
“Close to 11% of Hoosiers over 65 have Alzheimer’s,” Rep. Porter said in a statement after the committee vote. “That’s why these diseases need to be included in Indiana’s public health outreach. People need to know the risk factors, the signs and their treatment options. Better education leads to better prevention and intervention.”
Porter also shared a personal motivation for his advocacy work; he served as a caregiver for his late mother, who had Alzheimer’s.
“Most family members who provide unpaid care don’t know how to manage it. That’s another reason why education is essential,” Porter said. “This bill is in honor of my mother, and I look forward to getting it across the finish line for our seniors.”
Advocates also highlighted how training for first responders, if implemented through HB 1426, could prevent misunderstandings and improve outcomes for people with dementia in crisis situations. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel are often among the first to interact with individuals in the early stages of confusion or behavioral changes. Training specific to the characteristics of Alzheimer’s and related dementias could help ensure that emergency personnel de-escalate situations effectively and provide appropriate care.
Alzheimer’s awareness proponents point to the broader benefits of public education and training as part of a national movement to integrate dementia into public health policy. The Alzheimer’s Association works with partners across the country on initiatives like the Healthy Brain Initiative, which aims to improve understanding and awareness of brain health and cognitive impairment among policy makers, health professionals and the general public.
Health care professionals increasingly emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and public understanding of Alzheimer’s. Research shows that Americans overwhelmingly want to know early if they have the disease, even before symptoms interfere with daily life, and that there is significant interest in treatments that could slow its progression.
But Alzheimer’s impact extends beyond those diagnosed. Nearly 12 million people nationwide provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and caregivers often experience significant emotional, physical and financial stress. Advocates say the combination of education, legislative action and community support is critical to mitigate these burdens.
Local advocacy groups thanked state leaders for their support, especially Rep. Porter and Rep. Brad Barrett, chair of the Public Health Committee, for advancing dementia education in the Statehouse.
With HB 1029 now moving forward after unanimous support in the House and HB 1426 under active consideration in the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, advocates say they will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure final passage of both measures. They believe that such commonsense policies can help families better navigate Alzheimer’s challenges and reduce risks for vulnerable individuals.
For more information on Alzheimer’s advocacy and how to get involved, visit alzimpact.org/volunteer.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
