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.
What can be done about this public health crisis?
I am urging Reps. Jim Jordan and Bob Latta and their fellow Ohio congressmembers 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.
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
Wapakoneta
Brookhart is pastor at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta
E-MAIL LETTERS
Read More: Letter: Government should increase funds for Alzheimer’s research