It would be an understatement to say that the past year has been one of significant challenges. And for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and many of their caregivers, COVID-19 placed them at a greater risk than ever before.
Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 220,000 Ohioans. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in our nation and the only one in the top 10 without an effective treatment, prevention or cure. Today, Alzheimer’s disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer – combined.
It is also one of our nation’s most expensive diseases, with a total cost of nearly $350 billion last year.
Despite these sobering facts, there are reasons for hope in our battle against this disease.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the historic National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) being signed into law. NAPA forever changed the trajectory of Alzheimer’s research, care and support in our nation by setting the foundation for the National Alzheimer’s Plan and ensuring that Alzheimer’s disease would be a top health priority in Washington. We have also seen significant increases to federal funding for Alzheimer’s research at the NIH.
But despite these important advancements, much remains to be done.
As the number of those with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, most primary care physicians believe that the medical profession is not ready for the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. We must do something before our healthcare system is overwhelmed.
We must also do more to support our caregivers. Last year, an estimated 11 million Alzheimer’s caregivers provided more than 15 billion hours of unpaid care to a spouse, parent, family member or friend. Studies continue to show that Alzheimer’s caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety and physical illness than other caregivers.
I encourage Ohio’s congressional members, including Rep. Brad Wenstrup and Rep. Steve Stivers, as well as Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, to support increased funding for Alzheimer’s research and passage of the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Act (S. 56 / H.R. 1474).
By applying a public health approach to reduce risk, detect early symptoms and support caregivers, Congress can continue to change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions. And as our nation’s senior population continues to grow, those numbers will more than double within the next 30 years. For the sake of those living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, and the sake of generations to come, we must do more – now.
Steve Olding is Public Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association – Ohio.
The Link LonkMarch 25, 2021 at 09:48PM
https://www.clermontsun.com/2021/03/25/letter-to-the-editor-nation-must-not-forget-continuing-alzheimers-threat
Letter to the Editor: Nation must not forget continuing Alzheimer’s threat - The Clermont Sun
https://news.google.com/search?q=forget&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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