Two state senators say Ohio needs to join all other states in developing a comprehensive plan to deal with rising numbers of residents with 础濒锄丑别颈尘别谤鈥檚 and dementia that are likely to come in the next few decades.
鈥淲e have a runaway train coming at us. That train is fueled by demographics," said Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Maineville).
He said the lifetimes and population of senior citizens in Ohio will increase, along with the spread of 础濒锄丑别颈尘别谤鈥檚 and related dementia.
Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) said 5.7 million Americans, including 220,000 Ohioans, are living with those diseases, and "some estimates predict that these numbers will nearly triple by the year 2050.鈥�
The senators say Ohio is the only state without a plan to handle what they call this pending crisis. Their bill would create a thorough review to come up with steps that can be taken over the next few years to provide support for people with dementia and their families and caregivers.