Alzheimer's 2025 Forum in Washington, DC

June 13, 2025

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.

Fortunately, I was able to be one of over 1000 advocates who traveled to Washington D.C. this past week 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 Congressman Hank Johnson’s staff to discuss the importance of research funding for various Alzheimer’s-related policies. As a result of countless hours and dedicated research, 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 Hank Johnson, Senator Raphael Warnock and Senator Jon Ossoff 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 brother who has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and all those impacted by this dreadful disease.

I know that supporting research around Alzheimer’s Disease will get us closer to a world with a cure.

Thank you,

Jan McIntyre, Alzheimer's Ambassador

Lithonia, Georgia