Alzheimer’s and Dementia support

In the state of Washington, there are more than 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s dementia. We recently lost a dear relative at the young age of 63 due to early-onset dementia. As an affected family member and a concerned citizen we join the Alzheimer’s Association in advocating for more attention to this health crisis.

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the country. Medicare and Medicaid cover the lion’s share – $186 billion, or 67 percent, of the total health care and long-term care payments for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Protecting these programs is vital. Finding a treatment that delays the onset of Alzheimer’s will prevent the cost of the disease from engulfing Medicare and Medicaid.

National Institutes of Health scientists in their Professional Judgment Budget recommended that Congress increase funding of Alzheimer’s and dementia research by more than $425 million in fiscal year 2019.

The financial toll of this disease – on individuals living with the disease, their families and the community – is too high. We urge Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to continue her support for people with dementia and those who care for them by working to pass these needed funds.

Bill and Kathy Semmler

Spokane