CHICAGO – To provide quality care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Senate Licensed Activities Committee that would add Alzheimer’s and dementia training to the license renewal process for doctors.

“Diagnosing Alzheimer’s early is essential for receiving the best treatment possible,” Villivalam said. “Doctors should be able to identify and recommend treatment to patients showing early signs of dementia.”

The legislation would provide physicians treating adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia training to better diagnose and treat patients at the time of their license renewal. The coursework would include instruction on how to identify and diagnose Alzheimer’s, patient-centered care and cultural competency.

The legislation is an initiative of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and the Alzheimer’s Association. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease.

Senate Bill 677 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee and awaits consideration by the full Senate.