Frank Broyles

Creekmore writes bill to create Alzheimer's task force

New legislation that would create a government-mandated task force to address Alzheimer’s disease will be presented in the Old Supreme Court room on the second floor of the state Capitol at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.

Long-time University of Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles will join Rep. Dawn Creekmore of East End and Sen. Barbara Horn of Little Rock at the event.

Approximately 100,000 Arkansans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s, a number expected to increase dramatically over the next two decades as the baby boomer generation ages.  The escalating epidemic of the disease, which is the sixth-leading cause in America, promises to be a significant burden on the state’s health care industry.

Rep. Creekmore and Sen. Horn have submitted the bill for the spring legislative session. The task force’s purpose would be to identify the state’s current resources to face the challenges of Alzheimer’s while creating a readiness plan for the overwhelming growth.  The Alzheimer’s Association has worked with the authors and supports the bill.

“We applaud the leadership of Rep. Creekmore, Sen. Horn and Coach Broyles for their proactive efforts in creating the Task Force,” said Marisha DiCarlo, assistant state director for the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter.  “The impact of Alzheimer’s on our state will crush the health care system as it is right now and, with their direction, we will have a readiness plan.”

Broyles lost his wife, Barbara, to Alzheimer’s disease and has dedicated much of his time to the fight against Alzheimer’s.  As an Alzheimer’s Association Champion, Broyles speaks out about the reality of the disease and the need for quality care for those with dementia.

Creekmore is the author of the House bill, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Burris, Rep. Butch Wilkins and Rep. Fred Allen.  The Alzheimer’s Association expects additional House and Senate co-sponsors. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2008 Facts & Figures, Arkansas caregivers provide more than 95 million hours of unpaid annual care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.  These efforts have a market value of more than $1 billion every year.