New studies reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2018 in Chicago are providing insight into Alzheimer’s prevalence, the impact of non-cognitive symptoms, and factors that may influence a person’s dementia risk.
As executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon & SW Washington Chapter, I know firsthand how important this research is to improving quality of life for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s. There are currently more than 5 million Americans, including 110,000 individuals in Washington, living with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. without a way to prevent, cure or slow its progression. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans with the disease will triple by mid-century.
As is clear from the research presented by scientists at AAIC 2018, there is no shortage of ideas, only dollars, for addressing Alzheimer’s and its devastating impact. That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association is appealing to Congress to increase funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health by at least $425 million in fiscal year 2019.
Join me in asking Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, for her continued commitment in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. To learn more, visit alz.org/advocate.
