Letter to the editor: Help support Alzheimer's research & care

Americans today are faced with an overwhelming and unprecedented health crisis: Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases. A new patient develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds, and with the rate of disease expected to triple within the next generation, it is evident that preventative action must be taken to alleviate the possible effects of disease.

The crisis is much larger than just the nearly 6 million patients in the U.S.; the disease’s unique longevity and complexity make it especially challenging for health care providers and families. Nursing home care costs, on average, compound to between $90,000 and $100,000 annually, whereas the U.S. median annual income for 2019 is only about $60,000. Medicare generally does not cover these costs, especially for the nearly 200,000 early-onset patients (under the age of 65) who often have children and spouses who are still in the workforce.

You can help by sending letters to urge your representatives to support legislation to increase research funding, allow for increased health care options to early-onset patients and educate health care providers on how to best care for Alzheimer’s patients. Please visit alzimpact.org and select “Act Now” to learn how you can send a letter in support in less than 5 minutes. The future of Alzheimer’s research and care is dependent on our action.

Anna Cappella

Swisshelm Park