Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. As someone who lost a loved one to this disease, I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on families across America.
People living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s and other dementia often have not been eligible for support programs and services available to other Americans because of their young age. Thankfully Congress has recently stepped up.
Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided support to America’s seniors in their homes and communities by organizing and delivering nutritional programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder-abuse prevention and caregiver support. The Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 — the law that reauthorizes the Older Americans Act — includes the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act, which addresses the gap in care and services for those with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. This bipartisan action by Congress will allow those living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s to access OAA-funded support services, including nutritional services, supportive services, and respite care through the National Family Caregiver Support program.
The importance of this act is very personal to me. My dear sister Joanne was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 51. She was not entitled to the benefits and services that could have helped her and her caregiver husband so much. Unfortunately, she passed just 3 years ago at the age of 59. But by Congress moving forward and providing this support, other families will be able to navigate through this journey with a bit more help.
By working to ensure the inclusion of key provisions of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act in the OAA reauthorization, [Rep/Sen] is making it possible for us to address the gap in critical support and services for those living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Please join me in thanking [Rep/Sen] for being a champion in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
Laura Musgrave
Alzheimer’s Ambassador/Advocate