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Contributed commentary from Brenda Mendez, Clarksville Walk to End Alzheimer’s:
Today, more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s – a number expected to nearly triple by 2050, this number includes 120,000 in Tennesseans. Unfortunately Alzheimer’s does not just impact those with the diagnoses: There are more than 444,000 Tennesseans who provide unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
I have been an advocate since 2010. I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s in 2011. This disease impacts all walks of life. I urge all that are impacted by this disease to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association, specifically your local chapters. We have certainly come a long way but there is still much more work to be done.
As the 117th Congress begins its sessions, I want to take the opportunity to thank Congressman Mark Green for his support in Congress for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. 2020 was a historic year for Alzheimer’s disease as Congress approved $3.1 billion for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. Further, Congress passed The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act which will educate clinicians on the importance of providing families facing Alzheimer’s disease with care-planning. Last but not least, Congress passed the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, which would require the Department of Justice to develop training materials to assist professionals supporting victims of abuse living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Thank you Congressman Green for your vote on these bills! We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2021!
Brenda Mendez, Walk Co-Chair, Clarksville Walk to End Alzheimer’s