On April 24, nearly 1,000 advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 25th Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. 

I want to thank U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Paul Rand for their willingness to meet with us about the need for more Alzheimer’s research funding.

Today, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. During their visits, advocates shared with our local members of Congress what this disease has done to families. As a professional caregiver, I know firsthand the impact caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can have on any family. I have seen the devastation as the disease steals their loved ones away.

In Kentucky alone, more than 266,000 friends and family members provide unpaid care valued at $3.7 million for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. More than 80,000 Kentuckians are living with Alzheimer’s.

The sixth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is the only cause among the top 10 without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. We urgently need better treatments and better ways to identify those at risk for getting Alzheimer’s so we can intervene earlier in the disease process. If you agree, please write Rep. Guthrie and/or Sens. McConnell and Paul and let them know how you and your family have been impacted by Alzheimer’s.

Christy L’Heureux

Bowling Green