Mass. First State To Join Alzheimer's Program

State officials say Massachusetts has become the first state in the nation to sign on to a program that provides employees information about Alzheimer's Disease.

Gov. Deval Patrick's administration says the state's partnership with the Alzheimer's Early Detection Alliance will give thousands of state workers information about early warning signs of the disease, along with resources to help care for a loved one who has been affected.

The programs are offered through the Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

About 100 businesses in the Bay State previously registered for the program.

In 2010, Patrick formed a task force on Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders to formulate strategies to help families impacted by the disease.