The Virginia Memory Project, a collaboration between Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Department of Health, is on the verge of being codified into state law to prioritize brain health and ensure equitable allocation of resources. HB 1455 is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and will officially establish the Virginia Memory Project in state law.

This project focuses on cataloging dementia cases and other neurodegenerative diseases in the state to inform the development of public policy. The registry collects data on disease cases and the number of caregivers in the state, with the goal of providing policymakers and public health leaders with information about the prevalence of the disease, resource allocation, and policy solutions for individuals living with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.

Recent bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to reauthorize the original 2018 act, which supports four statewide dementia registries in the country under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. LeadingAge Virginia has expressed support for this legislation, emphasizing that collecting data related to brain health, memory, and caregiving is crucial for all adult Virginians. Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, stated that this initiative will help prioritize resources for individuals with memory loss and caregivers throughout the state, including those in various care settings beyond just assisted living facilities.

Currently, over 700,000 cases of dementia have been identified through this project across Virginia. Individuals aged 18 and older can participate by completing a confidential online survey to provide valuable data supporting well-being initiatives for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers in Virginia.