This bill creates four Alzheimer’s related programs: one grant program for research into the prevention, treatment, causes and cures of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; two grant programs to increase awareness of and screening for dementias as well as provide information to and support for caregivers of persons with dementia; and an Alzheimer’s public information program.

Section 1 creates a competitive grant program within the Department of Higher Education to award grants to help fund research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, specifies eligible grant applicants, and requires reporting on the part of grantees and the Commissioner of Higher Education.

Section 2 establishes the Alzheimer’s Research Advisory Council, gives direction as to its organization, specifies its duties, and requires council members to disclose any financial interest in any organization the council recommends to receive a grant.

Section 3 adds to the duties of the Minnesota Board on Aging responsibility for administering and reporting on the grant programs under sections 4 and 5 of this bill.

Section 4 establishes a statewide competitive grant program administered by the Minnesota Board on Aging to fund statewide projects and initiatives to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, increase the rate of cognitive testing in populations at risk of dementias, promote the benefits of early diagnosis of dementias, or connect caregivers of persons with dementia to education and resources. Section 4 also specifies eligible grant applicants, provides guidance on the criteria to be used to award grants, requires reporting, and specifies dates of application for and awarding of the grants.

Section 5 establishes a regional and local competitive grant program administered by the Minnesota Board on Aging to fund regional and local projects and initiatives targeted to specific communities to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, increase the rate of cognitive testing in populations at risk of dementias, promote the benefits of early diagnosis of dementias, or connect caregivers of persons with dementia to education and resources. Section 5 also specifies eligible grant applicants, provides guidance on the criteria to be used to award grants, requires reporting, and specifies dates of application for and awarding of the grants.

Section 6 creates an Alzheimer’s public information program, which is to include a toll-free number and a Web site that provide resources and referrals to meet the needs of caregivers of persons with dementia.  The board or a third party with whom the board contracts will administer the program.

Section 7 specifies the initial terms and appointments of the Alzheimer’s Research Advisory Council.

Section 8 makes appropriations for the Alzheimer’s research grants, the statewide dementia grants, the regional and local dementia grants, and the Alzheimer’s public information program.