Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

Crisco Asks Governor Malloy to Consider Adopting Formal State Alzheimer’s Plan

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, recently submitted a letter to Governor Dannel P. Malloy asking the governor to consider adopting a formal, comprehensive state Alzheimer’s plan. Senator Crisco said 18 other states have already prepared and published such a document.

A state Alzheimer’s plan would, “allow Connecticut to coordinate and evaluate efforts across the state to provide and enhance care for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease,” Senator Crisco wrote.

“By adopting a plan, Connecticut will align itself with the recently enacted National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which creates a national Alzheimer’s disease plan,” Senator Crisco added.

As evidence of the need for such a plan in Connecticut, Senator Crisco cites an increasing number of state residents afflicted with the disease and the apparent trend that the disease now seems to afflict some people at an earlier age than it had previously.

“The federal Department of Health and Human Services will likely issue recommendations for states within the next two years,” Senator Crisco wrote. “By adopting a plan, Connecticut would help Connecticut better respond to these recommendations.”

Senator Crisco said he will follow-up his proposal directly with the governor’s office and through the state Department of Public Health.

In addition to his responsibility for the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Senator Crisco is vice-chair of both the Banking Committee and the Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Internship Committee. He serves on the Legislative Management Committee and was recently appointed to the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee as well.