The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. I am joining participants of all ages in the fight against the disease by participating in the Portland Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 16. Health and safety remain the Alzheimer’s Association’s top priority, while continuing to monitor the pandemic and make decisions about event details in our local community.
I lost my mother-in-law to dementia, soon followed by both of her brothers from the same, terrible disease. I saw how this devastating disease impacts not only the individual living with the disease, but also the whole family. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 69,000 in Oregon.
In recent years, Congress has made funding Alzheimer’s and dementia research a priority and it must continue. It is my hope that Sens. Wyden and Merkley and Congresswoman Herrera Beutler will continue to support an increase in Alzheimer’s research funding at the National Institutes of Health. Register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at alz.org/walk.
