Seven million Americans have Alzheimer’s Disease, and by 2050, this number is set to triple. My great-grandmother Harriet was one of them. She passed away from breast cancer and dementia when I was seven after a stroke put her in a rehabilitation center and she began refusing care altogether. My family did not know enough of our resources to care for her. I was unable to help her when I was a child, but thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, I can help others now in her honor. Recently, I noticed another loved one of mine exhibiting symptoms. Due to the Alzheimer’s Association’s resources and available helpline, I could see these symptoms, know where to find help, and learn what to expect at a doctor’s appointment.
One in three seniors die with dementia, and there is no cure. We need Senator Mike Braun and Senator Todd Young of Indiana to support dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health. This funding would advance research to find a cure, and in return, prevent other loved ones from losing their lives and memories due to this debilitating disease. The Alzheimer’s Association and I believe that we will find a cure for Alzheimer’s during our lifetime, but we need funding to reach that milestone. Thankfully, we recently passed the NAPA Reauthorization Act and Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act through Congress. These bills now sit on President Biden’s desk. Next, we need to focus on passing the BOLD Reauthorization Act and AADAPT (Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act). These are big steps, but we can pass these necessary bills together if we use our voices for legislative advocacy.