Ask your Candidates Position on Alzheimer's Health Crisis

Election year is upon us. There is no more important time than now to address the candidates position on many healthcare issues. Alzheimer's has been designated a national health crisis by Congress and affects 5.6 million patients and their families. The financial cost is staggering. Alzheimer's and related dementias costs our nation 290 Billion in 2019 including 49 Billion to Medicare and Medicaid. The human cost to families Caregivers is truly heartbreaking. Today 48 percent of all caregivers are caring for someone with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Many of these caregivers are seniors and are managing their own health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Many Caregivers report they suffer from anxiety and depression due to the stress of caring for the daily needs of their loved ones.
Advocates for the Alzheimer's Association and its Advocacy organization Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) nationwide have submitted many questions to Presidential debate moderators about the candidates position on legislation to address these needs. Sadly, during 17 hours of debates, not one question was asked about Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
In just these 17 hours the nation spent $374 Million in tax dollars caring for Alzheimer's patients and with a new diagnosis every 65 seconds there were approximately 942 additional Americans and families affected by the disease.
I encourage you to ask your Federal and State candidates what they will do to help these patients and family caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Association and I thank Congressman David Scott of Georgia's 13th congressional district for his ongoing support of Alzheimer's legislation and research funding on the behalf of these families in his District.

Jim Williams
Alzheimer's Association Legislative Ambassador
Smyrna, Georgia