Fighting for a Future Without Alzheimer’s

At a time when more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s — including over 180,000 in Georgia — prioritizing how we address this devastating disease is more critical than ever.

I was honored to be one of over 1,000 advocates who traveled to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association to push for policy change and raise awareness around Alzheimer’s and dementia. It was especially meaningful to advocate during June, which marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

While in D.C., I met with Gabi Vesey, Legislative Assistant to Senator Raphael Warnock, to discuss the urgent need for continued research funding and support for Alzheimer’s-related policies. Thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers, we now have two FDA-approved medications that help slow the progression of early-stage mild cognitive decline. While not a cure, these treatments are an important milestone in reducing the effects of the disease.

This is not the time to pull back — it’s time to accelerate our efforts. That’s why I urged Senator Warnock to support $113.485 million in funding through the NIH for Alzheimer’s research and to rally fellow lawmakers to do the same.

I advocate in memory of both of my parents and on behalf of every individual and family touched by this disease. I believe that through committed support of research, we can move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Debbie Levin
Atlanta, GA