A panel at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Healthcare Transformation Summit focused on dementia care and prevention, with healthcare and community leaders emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support for caregivers.
Moderated by Bonnie Burman, former director of the Ohio Department of Aging, the panel featured Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering), Dr. Doug Scharre of Ohio State University’s Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders, Pat Krebs of the Alzheimer’s Association Early Stage Advisory Group, and Jennifer Carlson, state director for AARP Ohio.
The discussion covered the differences between normal cognitive aging, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the importance of recognizing symptoms and pursuing early intervention. Scharre also highlighted research on modifiable risk factors for dementia, noting the connection between healthy lifestyle choices and brain health.
Panelists also discussed the broader economic impact of dementia and caregiving. White emphasized the potential long-term value of investing in prevention, while Carlson pointed to the significant demands placed on Ohio’s estimated 2.2 million caregivers, including the impact caregiving can have on employment and financial stability.
The panel also explored the concept of dementia-friendly communities, including how businesses, employers and community organizations can better accommodate individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. White noted that employers could consider how their benefit offerings support employees who are balancing work with caregiving responsibilities.
The discussion reinforced that dementia is not solely a healthcare issue, but also intersects with workforce, economic development, community planning and long-term services and supports.
The Ohio Chamber’s Healthcare Transformation Summit was held September 9 in Columbus and brought together healthcare, business and policy leaders to discuss issues affecting Ohio’s healthcare system.