66
Community
Ending Alzheimer’s Through Advocacy Many hear “Alzheimer’s” and think nothing can be done. The truth is, Alzheimer’s disease is a serious and sobering diagnosis. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States with no current way to prevent, treat or cure it. Nearly six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s - including 180,000 people in New Jersey - and as many as 16 million nationwide will have the disease in 2050 if a cure has not been discovered by then. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $277 billion in 2018, increasing to $1.1 trillion by mid-century. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s is a growing crisis for U.S. families and the economy - and conquering it is as much a matter of public policy as scientific discovery. There truly is something to be done about Alzheimer’s - and that work is being tackled by an army of advocates striving to make dramatic changes in the fight to end it. What is an Alzheimer’s advocate? It is someone who lends his or her voice to compel policymakers in all branches of government across the country to act. Over the past decade Alzheimer’s advocates have achieved the passage of landmark legislation, including the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act. Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health has quadrupled since the passage of NAPA as a result of Alzheimer’s advocacy. Nearly every state, including New Jersey, has developed and is implementing a state Alzheimer’s plan. Finally, thanks to the efforts focused on the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act, today people with cognitive impairments have access to critical care planning services through Medicare. These are tremendous accomplishments, but still more work is ahead both in Congress and the State Legislature. Could you be an Alzheimer’s advocate? Your involvement could make a real difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s advocates meet with elected officials, raise awareness through local media, spark social media conversations, coordinate events and call on their connections to help keep Alzheimer’s at the forefront. Or you could be even more hands-on by serving as an Alzheimer’s Ambassador, Alzheimer’s Congressional Team (ACT) member or Alzheimer’s State Champion. There are many roles - large and small - for anyone interested in becoming an Alzheimer’s advocate.
New Jersey Alzheimer’s advocates meet with State Sen. Jeff Van Drew.
Visit alz.org/delval or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to learn how you can help end Alzheimer’s.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Delaware Valley Chapter—headquartered in Philadelphia— serves 18 counties in South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, providing programs and services to more than 294,000 individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The Chapter’s Atlantic County Branch Office is located at 25 Dolphin Avenue, Building D, Ground Floor, Northfield, NJ 08225. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, programs and services and resources, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/delval.
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
January/February 2019