Thank You Congressman Quigley For Being An Alzheimer’s Champion

Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is an emotionally, physically, and financially draining role. When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – I was devastated. As my mother’s health and ability to function rapidly declined in front of my eyes, I was forced to move her to a long term care facility – another devastating event. However, I did not realize the breath of the effects of this health crisis.

Alzheimer’s disease is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death that has no treatment, prevention, or cure. More than 5 million Americans are living daily with the disease and in 2016 15 million Americans provided unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. This equates to approximately 18.2 billion hours of care valued at $230 billion.

For many, the Alzheimer’s journey disease can be long. In order to make this journey easier for others, I volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association to encourage passage of the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act or PCHETA (HR 1676). When enacted, this bill would help establish an adequate, well-trained palliative care workforce through training, education, awareness, and enhanced research. Palliative and hospice care are specific medical approaches that focus on increasing support for patients and their caregivers. This care can greatly improve the lives of those living with this disease.

I want to thank Congressman Mike Quigley for cosponsoring this bill which will help ensure that quality care is available for those who are suffering.

Dani J.

Lincoln Park