Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor and the Community of the Douglasville Patch

Dear Editor,

For individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, care planning is essential to learning about medical and non-medical treatments, clinical trials, and support services available in their community. Accessing these services results in a higher quality of life.

As caregiver for someone with one of the more than 70 forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s, I understand the enormous burden dementia has on Georgia families and the economy. As a Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia chapter, I am introduced too much more than you can imagine from Georgia families and caregivers as they continue the path of survival for their love ones affected by dementia.

Thankfully as of January 2017, Medicare covers critical care planning services. However, not enough patients and providers are aware of this resource. That’s why I am asking Senator Perdue to co-sponsor the Improving HOPE Act (S. 880). The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would help educate clinicians on Alzheimer’s and dementia care planning services through Medicare. Endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and its advocacy arm, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, this legislation will give physicians the knowledge and tools to better help their patients and families living with dementia.

With the support of the County of Douglas, City of Douglasville, and the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter, the community we will be hosting the first “The Longest Day” event on June 22, 2019 from 9am-noon in the City of Douglasville, O’neal Plaza. The event will raise awareness of dementia in our community and raise critical funds for research and services.

To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, please visit alz.org and alzimpact.org.