Missouri Memory Day 2025: Advocates Turn the Capitol Purple to Support Alzheimer’s Awareness

Advocates Gather to Support Alzheimer’s and Dementia Initiatives

On Missouri Memory Day 2025, over 100 dedicated advocates from across the state united in Jefferson City to ‘Turn the Capitol Purple.’ This powerful event, organized to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, brought caregivers, families, and supporters together to push for critical legislative action.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Legislative Priorities for Missouri Lawmakers

Alzheimer’s advocates met with legislators and members of Congress, urging them to support three major initiatives that would improve dementia care and support services in Missouri:

1. Re-Establishing the Alzheimer’s State Plan Task Force – Ensuring that Missouri has a dedicated, strategic approach to addressing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s and related dementias goal to extend the existing deadline from 2027 to 2032.
2. Establishing a State Dementia Services Coordinator (SB 410) – Creating a specialized role to oversee and enhance dementia-related services throughout the state. More than 29 states have already established State Dementia Service Coordinator positions. This proposed full-time state agency position will work to coordinate the state’s response to dementia. Main goals of the position include:
   1. Oversee the implementation and updating of the Alzheimer’s State Plan
   2. Identify gaps in existing Alzheimer’s and dementia services and programs
   3. Recommend strategies and policies to better serve Missourians living with dementia
   4. Increase awareness and facilitate access to quality coordinated care for people with dementia
3. Empowering Guardians with Dementia-Specific Training – Providing essential education and training for those legally responsible for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Since 2020, there has been a reported increase in guardianship cases in Missouri, and a reported 14% of the caseload are wards living with cognitive impairment including dementia. (Source: 2020 Missouri Public Guardianship Report) Additional dementia care training for legal guardians would improve the guardians’ understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, communication techniques, resources available and safety risks. There is no expected fiscal impact from this requirement, as Dementia-specific training is available through nonprofit partners at no cost.

Powerful Voices at the Capitol

Memory Day 2025 featured impactful speeches from key figures in the Alzheimer’s advocacy community. Missouri Senator Brian Williams addressed the group in the rotunda, expressing his support for the work being done to improve dementia care policies.

Another unforgettable speaker was Bobby, who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for 10 years. Bobby shared his personal journey, offering an emotional and inspiring testimony about the urgent need for continued advocacy and legislative action.

Assistance Home Care’s Commitment to Advocacy

Assistance Home Care was proud to stand alongside fellow advocates at Missouri Memory Day. A special shoutout to our President & Co-Founder, Allen, and our Community Development Manager, Christina, for representing our organization and advocating for the needs of caregivers, families, and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

At Assistance Home Care, we remain committed to supporting legislative efforts that improve the lives of those impacted by dementia. We believe that through awareness, education, and policy change, we can help create a future where every person living with Alzheimer’s receives the care and support they deserve.

Join the Movement

Missouri Memory Day is a reminder of the power of advocacy. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, your voice matters. Stay informed, support local initiatives, and help us continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more at ALZ.org/advocate