As a long-time Alzheimer’s Association advocate, I understand fully the impact that Alzheimer’s disease can have on a family.
My grandmother was diagnosed in 2013 and her doctor basically said “good luck with that,” so I reached out to the Association and started using their free resources immediately.
Since then, seven other members of my family have been diagnosed with some type of dementia and appealing to Ohio legislators to support funding for Alzheimer’s resources is my personal mission.
The U.S. population of individuals over the age of 65 continues to grow, as will the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
It was estimated that 6.7 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s in 2023.
By 2050, that number is projected to grow to 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs that can delay, prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Thousands of these are families and friends in Ohio.
What can be done about this public health crisis?
I am urging Reps. Jim Jordan and Bob Latta and their fellow Ohio congress members to continue supporting increases in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding as well as to support the reauthorization of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act this year.
I encourage you to do the same. We should also thank Sen. J. D. Vance and Rep. Greg Landsman for already co-sponsoring these very important bills.
It is more important than ever that we work toward increased funding for research that will impact the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Recent advancements in FDA-approved treatments that are delaying the progression of the disease, give us more hope than ever that research and science are bringing us closer to a cure.
Thankfully, Congress can continue to play an important role in addressing this public health crisis. You, too, can play an important role by contacting your local legislators and asking for their support to realize a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Anthony Brookhart is pastor at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta
Wapakoneta, Ohio