Support Funding for Alzheimer's Disease Research

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) was held virtually this past July. Scientists and researchers from around the world, including myself, gathered to discuss the latest developments and breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research. As I sat through session after session, I began to get increasingly more optimistic about one day finding a way to cure -- or even slow -- this awful disease.

The fight to end Alzheimer’s rests in the hands of researchers and scientists who continue to make strides in their findings. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the leading research body in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The NIH has identified a minimum of a $2 billion funding level at which they will be able to effectively treat and prevent Alzheimer’s by 2025. The past six years, we have seen historic research funding increases! We must continue this trend!

I am an Alzheimer’s Association advocate because I experienced the devastating effects of this disease firsthand when I was 16 years old as I watched my Nana battle and eventually succumb to Alzheimer’s Disease. As this disease often does, it impacted those caring for my Nana as much as it impacted her. As a result of these early life experiences, I was passionate about dedicating my life to ensuring no more families would be shattered by this disease. I am now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience researching Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at the University of Kentucky’s Sanders Brown Center on Aging. I don’t want my children to have to worry about taking care of me the same way my family had to take care of my Nana. Investing in research funding is the key to ensuring they won’t have to. The NIH is asking for an additional $425 million in research funding to continue their work. Please join me in asking Senator McConnell to support this vital increase in research funding.

Alexandria Early, MS

Lexington, Kentucky 40502