Alzheimer's Archives

This powerful, heart wrenching video gives an excellent insight into the daily life of a son taking care of his mother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. In moments that are so real and emotionally raw, it is easy to see the toll that caring for his mother in his home is taking on him and his wife. It also becomes clear that they have very little understanding of what they are dealing with as she continues to slip deeper into the diseases’ hold. At one point, he admits that he has no idea what his mom is experiencing or what it may be like for her to struggle everyday with Alzheimer’s. He agrees to participate in an Alzhiemer’s simulation project that proves to be an eye opening experience. Watch the video below for their story.

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There are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and that number is poised to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Caring for Alzheimer’s, the country’s most expensive disease, costs our nation $214 billion annually with projections to reach $1.2 trillion a year by 2050. Yet today, for every $26,500 Medicare and Medicaid spend on caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) spends only $100 on Alzheimer’s research. That just doesn’t make sense. Smart investments in other major diseases have shown great success and are paying off, both in terms of cost and lives saved.

The appropriations committee is meeting next week to review, and our senators need to hear from us. Jeff Merkley (OR) is on the committee and he needs to hear from his constituents that this is important to all tax payers – the folks that answer his phones are wonderful and receptive – if you could please call his office and ask for his support of this budget item, it will impact all tax payers in a positive way. Phone is 202-224-3753, in district 503-326-3386

Virtual Tour Gives Family Insight About Dementia

Dementia is on my mind….please approve the $200 million for research