Continue the fight to find an Alzheimer's cure

As with so many families in our community, when our dad received the devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis, we didn't know who or where to turn. Since our mother had already passed and with no other professional medical training in our history, my sister and I set out in search of information on possible medical trials, treatments for his disease, and other resources available to assist us in almost every aspect of his care. We were looking for answers to questions like: Could we afford care? What kind of care is available? Could there be a cure?

Our first plan of action was to contact the Alzheimer’s Association for guidance on how to tread these unfamiliar waters. They assured us that we were not alone and that scientists throughout the world were searching for ways to prevent, cure, or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. In fact, there were new promising treatments being tested at that very moment that gave us hope.
Watching my dad’s decline was one of the hardest phases of my life. I will always treasure every single moment with him but I certainly don’t want other families to have to endure the many challenges that accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It is just that wish that has led me to do what I can to help find that cure. I am not a scientist that can find the answer but as an advocate, I can encourage my legislators to provide funding so that one day very soon that cure can be found.

Thanks to Congress, incredible strides have been made in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease – but our work is far from over. By continuing to prioritize federal research funding and Alzheimer’s policies, we can make a real difference in finding treatments and helping families. I am calling on Representative Mary Miller to support an additional $318 million in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health, as well as the passage of NAPA Reauthorization Act and Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act.

Unfortunately, a cure wasn’t found in time to save my dad but there is hope that one day soon there will be. That’s why we must continue urging our members of Congress to invest in care, support and research. They can help to accelerate our impact for the millions of families, just like ours, affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia.