History

MDC History
In the mid-1980s the Michigan Governor established a statewide task force on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Conditions, and the Michigan Department of Public Health, Chronic Disease Advisory Committee formed a task force on Alzheimer's disease. The Department task force became a subcommittee of the Chronic Disease Advisory Committee. By the late 1980s the Dementia Subcommittee had secured state and grant support for implementing its recommendations to address dementia issues.

The task force recommendations included establishing a dementia information network. In 1990 the Michigan Legislature approved funding of $75,000 for a dementia information network. (The Michigan Dementia Information Network consists of the three Alzheimer's Association chapters in Michigan, the Huntington's Disease Society of American - Michigan Chapter, and the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. The Michigan Department of Community Health contracts with the Michigan Public Health Institute to administer grants to network agencies.) The Dementia Subcommittee advised the developing network and was renamed the Dementia Services Coordinating Committee.

In 1998 the Committee reviewed and revised its purpose, re-forming as the Michigan Dementia Coalition. It developed a new purpose statement focusing on statewide dementia issues and priorities, developed structure and operating guidelines, and established a Leadership Team to guide ongoing efforts. The next year, state funding for the dementia network increased to $440,000.

In 2001 the Michigan Dementia Coalition established a Physician Initiative Work Group, which convened thirty primary care physicians identified as dementia leaders in the state. The Primary Care Dementia Network, under the auspices of the Coalition, continues to promote enhanced dementia identification, diagnosis, and management practices. A Hospice and Palliative Care Work Group established in 2002 has developed several publications, provided educational programs throughout the state, and continues to increase awareness of hospice and palliative care options for persons with late-stage dementia.