Improving Hope for Alzheimer's Act

This November, during National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the more than 16 million unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers in the U.S. According to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, people overwhelmingly agree (91 percent) that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should be a group effort among family members or close friends, yet one out of three caregivers are not engaging others in caregiving tasks.

My story is not rare, as I was one of millions of people that became a caregiver to a person with dementia. My husband, at the age of 56, began exhibiting signs of dementia. For many months, I was in extreme denial; it could not be Alzheimers. After all, his mother had the disease, but was not diagnosed until her late 60's, and passed at the age of 79. We watched and aided my father-in-law with her care as her disease progressed; such a difficult time of life. I thought I understood what was involved in the daily care of an individual with this illness, but I was wrong. Caregiving for the one you love the most is a grueling, 24/7/365 days per year job, that never lets up. At the age of 63, just a little over one year ago, my husband lost his battle with early onset Alzheimers. For seven years, I watched my best friend and partner in life, drift away as I tried to care for him as best as I could. I miss him so much, each and every day; but I know he is now at peace.

This is why I have asked my elected officials to prioritize this vulnerable population. Increased research funding is vital, but so too are enhanced care and support services for individuals and their caregivers. Thankfully, my Congresswoman, Jackie Walorski, is taking an active stance on this issue by supporting the bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R. 1873). This bill is critical to improving access to resources and enhancing quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Please join me in thanking Representative Walorski for ensuring that Alzheimer's is brought to the forefront of the congressional agenda. Together, we have the opportunity to help those struggling with this terrible disease and their caregivers.