We must not forget the continuing threat of Alzheimer’s disease: Steve Olding - cleveland.com

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Guest columnist Steve Olding is public policy and public affairs manager for the Alzheimer’s Association-Ohio.

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 has placed them at greater risk than ever before.

My heart goes out to the many families who have had to deal with the social isolation and disconnection from their loved ones during the past year, as well as all those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

And as we begin the slow path back toward “normal,” millions in our country still confront social, economic and health uncertainties.

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.

For years, the fight against Alzheimer’s has been a source of unity among Democrats and Republicans. In 2020, we saw a number of major legislative advances, including passage of the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act.

In addition, Congress recently approved the allocation of an additional $300 million for Alzheimer’s research through the National Institutes of Health. This increase brings annual federal funding for Alzheimer’s research to $3.1 billion.

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.

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 Reps. Marcy Kaptur, David Joyce and Anthony Gonzalez, 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.

Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting today’s topics are also welcome.

The Link Lonk


April 04, 2021 at 11:17PM
https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2021/04/we-must-not-forget-the-continuing-threat-of-alzheimers-disease-steve-olding.html

We must not forget the continuing threat of Alzheimer’s disease: Steve Olding - cleveland.com

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