Congress must support critical Alzheimer's funding

Dear Congresswoman Schakowsky,

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, a day set aside to raise awareness about a disease that is top of mind for so many of your constituents. As the 6th leading cause of death among American adults, Alzheimer’s doesn’t discriminate by class, gender, or race. I was in my early 20s when my father was diagnosed with the disease, and became his primary caregiver for the next 8 years. Unfortunately, this is all too common. In 2023, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of informal — that is, unpaid — assistance, a contribution valued at $346.6 billion.

At a time when my peers were starting families and advancing their careers, I was navigating Medicare Part D, moving him in and out of nursing homes, and drying my tears when he didn’t recognize me. It completely drained me physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. When he died, in 2012, the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter helped me channel my range and grief into advocacy. I served as a VP on the Junior Board, a Chair on the Walk to End Alzheimer's Committee, lobbied in DC & Springfield for government support & funding, and have written and spoken extensively about my experience. Currently, I volunteer with the Advocacy Program, in an effort to help raise awareness about the disease and change legislation so that others don’t have to have the same experience.

Thanks to Congress, we have made incredible strides in our fight to end Alzheimer’s. By continuing to prioritize federal research funding and Alzheimer’s policies, we can make a real difference in the landscape of diagnosis and treatment. I am calling on you, Representative Jan Schakowsky, to support an additional $318 million in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health, as well as the passage of the NAPA Reauthorization Act, Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, and BOLD reauthorization act.

Congress can help to accelerate our impact for the millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. With your support, Representative Shakowsky, we can work together to #ENDALZ.

Sincerely,

Carrie Jackson
Evanston, IL