By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is trying to strengthen its fight against Alzheimer’s disease, as part of a package of bills Gov. JB Pritzker signed Monday, Senior Day at the Illinois State Fair.
To Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, it’s personal.
“As her caregiver,” Stratton said, “I took my mom to the doctor on a regular basis. But, despite this fact, her health care professionals did not detect the signs of Alzheimer’s until it had already advanced. We were all totally taken off guard. Illinois is now the first state in the nation to require training for adult-serving health care professionals in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.”
Other bills require long-term care facilities to enable virtual visits; set up e-learning for some drivers’ tests; and create an Alzheimer’s lottery game.
Dave Dahl can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
