Alzheimer's Letter to Andre Carson

Providing care for an individual living with dementia involves many unique and often challenging elements. As a loved one of someone who passed away due to complications with Alzheimer’s, I understand how complicated it is to navigate this health care maze. When my grandfather, Paul, was in the midst of his battle with Alzheimer's, my grandmother, his wife and primary caregiver, passed away, leaving my father and his siblings and to develop a care plan for him. I watched firsthand how difficult and complicated this process could be.

Thankfully, the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer's Act (S.1125/ H.R.2517) would create a path to better dementia care and address shortcomings in the way dementia care is currently delivered. Because comprehensive dementia care has been shown to reduce costs while providing better quality care, this legislation would also call on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a payment structure for dementia care management.

It is estimated that nearly 13 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2050, so it is critical we find better ways to care for them. By enhancing the coordination of dementia care, we can lessen the burden for individuals and their caregivers while reducing health care costs.

Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking Representative Andre Carson to co-sponsor the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer's Act. To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit alzimpact.org.