Bridget Dowd/KJZZ

Advocates, doctors and lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, to underscore the need for more Alzheimer's resources in Arizona.

In the next six years, Arizona will have more people over the age of 60, than under the age of 17. That’s according to a new report from the Alzheimer’s Association. Advocates say the state isn’t prepared for that.

In 2022, 261,000 Arizonans were acting as unpaid caregivers for their friends or family members with the disease.

Advocates, doctors and lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday to underscore the need for more resources in the state.

Republican Sen. T.J. Shope highlighted one of his bills that aims to address Arizona’s growing Alzheimer’s issue.

“Senate Bill 1220 establishes an Alzheimer’s state plan in statute and creates dementia specific positions at the department of health services to address the crisis," Shope said.

Democratic Rep. Jennifer Longdon is sponsoring a bill that mirrors Shope’s.

She said she’s also working to crack down on abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities.

“Until we have that care that we all know is coming, our folks can end up in long-term care facilities and we’re gonna work to make sure that they are as safe and as comfortable as they can possibly be," Longdon said.

Republican Rep. Tim Dunn is also sponsoring a bill that creates an Alzheimer’s public awareness campaign, targeting rural and underserved communities.