MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Assembly has approved a package of legislation designed to help people cope with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The 10-bill package includes proposals to spend $50,000 for virtual dementia tours, in which participants wear goggles to simulate dementia effects, and give the University of Wisconsin-Madison an additional $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research. The package also include bills to create a dementia specialist certification and a pilot program for dementia crisis units; allocate $1 million more for the state’s Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program and $1.37 million for dementia specialists in rural counties; boost grants local dementia crisis team training; and require community based informed consent before administering psychotropic medication. The Assembly approved all the bills Thursday. They go next to the state Senate.
