At a time when more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including the more than 180,000 living in Georgia, prioritizing how this devastating disease is addressed remains a critical issue for our country.
Luckily, I was able to be one of over 1000 advocates who traveled to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association to advocate for policy change and promote Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness. It is fitting that we were able to advocate for those living with the disease and their caregivers this month, as June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. I was able to meet with Representative Earl Carter’s staff to discuss the importance of research funding and various Alzheimer ’s-related policies. On the backs of researchers, we now have two FDA approved medications that can combat early-stage mild cognitive decline. Though it is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, it is a crucial point in mitigating the effects of the disease. Now is the time to accelerate research, not the time to take a step back. As we look forward to a future without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, we know this can be achieved through supporting research funding. That is why part of my time in D.C. was spent calling on Representative Earl Carter to support $113.485 million in funding at the NIH for Alzheimer’s research and to urge their colleagues to join them in their support. I advocate for my mother Mamie Bowers and all those impacted by the disease. I know that supporting research around Alzheimer’s Disease will get us closer to a world with a cure.
Carolyn Bush
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