ADI welcomes the news that Argentina has taken another key step towards the creation of an Alzheimer’s law, following the approval of the Dementia Bill by both the Health and Budget Committees of the Chamber of Deputies on 13 August.
During the commission meeting, Facundo Manes, neuroscientist, National Congressman and long-time collaborator with ADI, spoke passionately about the urgent need for government funding to support the national law. The approval marks a significant advance: the bill will now return to the full Chamber of Deputies for a vote, before moving on to the Senate.
Once passed into law, the framework will pave the way for Argentina’s first National Dementia Plan, ensuring greater recognition, resources and coordinated action for people living with dementia and their carers.
On this recent update, Diego Aguilar, ADI Regional Director of the Americas, said:
ALMA’s tireless work over decades has laid the foundation for this moment. Their leadership, together with countless advocates across the country, has ensured that the voices of families affected by dementia are heard at the highest levels of government. This progress is not only a legislative achievement, but also a tribute to ALMA’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia in Argentina.
This latest achievement builds on momentum from earlier efforts. In April, the Symposium on Brain Health Promotion: Towards a National Dementia Plan brought together political leaders, experts, advocates and civil society to call for urgent legislative action. In June, ADI’s Regional Director for the Americas, Diego Aguilar, attended a national meeting of Alzheimer’s associations in San Juan. Under the banner of #LeyAlzheimerYa (#AlzheimersLawNow), the meeting united lawmakers, civil society and healthcare professionals from across Argentina to call for Alzheimer’s legislation.
Together, these milestones reflect Argentina’s growing commitment to recognising dementia as a public health priority. ADI looks forward to seeing this leadership continue as the Dementia Bill advances through the legislative process, bringing the country closer to making its first National Dementia Plan a reality.