Support Additional Alzheimer’s and dementia research

In 2021, dementia caregivers provided an estimated 16 billion hours of unpaid care - a contribution to the nation valued at $271 billion. While these statistics are staggering, they don’t reflect the emotional, physical and financial strain that comes with providing dementia care on a daily basis.

As a volunteer advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association, I understand the challenges Hoosier caregivers are facing. My grandfather, Paul, was diagnosed with dementia in 2010. His diagnosis spurred from a bout of dehydration while vacationing in Hawaii, and he never recovered. Over the next 5 years, I saw the challenges placed on my family to take care of him and the costs associated with full-time care. He succumbed to the disease in 2015. Not only was it financially and physically taxing on my family, but it was also emotionally devastating to lose the person you love years before they actually pass. His memory became so far gone that he was no longer the man we knew and loved.

This year, we’re asking for $226 million in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding. I am asking my Representative, Rep. Andre Carson, to support additional research funding so we can offer hope to the millions of American families impacted by this disease I am grateful for his ongoing efforts to help end this dreadful disease.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, please visit alz.org.