Scientific breakthroughs have changed what is possible for New Yorkers. New therapies can slow cognitive and functional decline in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association has led the fight to expand access to these FDA-approved treatments. 

Although these treatments do not offer a cure, they do offer something equally precious—time. Time for families to hold onto memories a little longer; time for loved ones to remain independent; and time for more birthdays, conversations and milestones together.

As a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association for the past 30 years, as well as an Alzheimer’s advocate and caregiver support group facilitator, I’ve seen firsthand how Alzheimer’s affects Alzheimer’s patients, their family members and caregivers, and how important it is for the New York State Legislature to support the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act and pass S.9523 and A.10748.

This legislation would remove unnecessary barriers by requiring state insurers to cover medically necessary diagnostic testing, including routine blood-based tests, to diagnose early-stage or pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and offer FDA-approved treatment. It would also explicitly ban insurance companies from requiring cheaper, less
effective drugs for Alzheimer’s patients, thereby ensuring that every New Yorker diagnosed with this devastating disease has access to the care, treatment and dignity they deserve.

Please reach out to your Senate and Assembly representatives to support this very important legislation.

Thank you.

Sheila Lashinsky
Alzheimer’s Association volunteer/advocate/caregiver and support group facilitator
Monticello, NY