The personal toll of Alzheimer’s is felt not only by those with the disease, but also the loved ones serving as caregivers. During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, I want to recognize the value of caregivers in the fight against this devastating disease. This is especially important to me, as my father and I are currently the caregivers to my mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Her disease has rapidly declined recently, and we have seen that even between me and my dad as full-time caregivers to her, it is still not enough. Not only do we continually grieve as she is dissipating in front of our eyes, but we also must manage the laborious and time-consuming physical tasks that need to be accomplished while navigating a disease that encompasses more than we expected.
I am grateful to have Senator Mitch McConnell, whom I met last spring during the Alzheimer’s Association Forum in D.C., as a champion of this cause and continue to ask for his support in research funding. Through the Alzheimer’s Association you can access resources for caregivers and learn more about the strides made in this fight. Please visit alz.org for more information.