Memories Lost… Please Help

As many as 5 million Americans already have it, and every 70 seconds someone else will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects memory and cognitive functioning, robbing its victims of the ability to care for themselves. Imagine looking into the mirror and not recognizing yourself. Alzheimer’s disease steals memories, the precious bits and pieces that make up our lives. It is a disease that is as horrifying to those who must bear witness as it is to those who have it.

In addition to the physical and emotional toll, the Alzheimer’s Association, reports that Alzheimer’s and dementia triple health care costs for Americans age 65 and older.

As the disease progresses, expenses include:

* diagnostic tests and follow up visits
* prescription medications
* personal care supplies
* home health care workers
* adult day services
* assisted living care
* nursing home care
* treating other medical conditions

Medical insurance and Medicare may cover some of these costs, but a huge burden falls to the individual or family. Very often other family members leave paying jobs to provide in-home care for loved ones.

The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2009 calls for a significant increase in federal Alzheimer research funding — to $2 billion. Alzheimer’s patients and their families are counting on your support to persuade Congress to pass this legislation and increase funding.

There is no cure yet, but treatments for symptoms, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for millions of Americans.

Speaking of former President Reagan’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Nancy Reagan is quoted as saying, “Ronnie’s long journey has finally taken him to a distant place where I can no longer reach him. Because of this I’m determined to do whatever I can to save other families from this pain.”

Please help by signing the petition urging Congress to pass the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act and fund critical research and essential caregiver programs.

Are You at Risk for Alzheimer’s?

9 Myths about Alzheimer’s

Stages of Alzheimer’s: What to Look For

Photo: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Paul P.

5:08PM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

...and we spent how many billions on occupation of Iraq? Maybe in a couple of years, Bush will say: "What's Iraq?"

send a green star

Elizabeth M.

1:31PM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

is that your attempt at humor, james? if it is, i have one word for you: karma. shouldn't be too hard for you to remember.

James D.

11:40AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

What was this for? I forgot

Barbara V.

10:59AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

I once knew a wonderful woman who was a concert violist and taught in one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world. She is now in the full grip of Alzheimer's disease. God, what a tragedy.

Cya A.

6:43AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

the petition was closed!! it closed on the 21st. open another one~~

Brenda P.

5:11AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

I try but the petition was closed.

5:09AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

My wonderful grandmother had this disease it was just awful she would get violent. It was so sad to see her mind waste away. She didn't even know her family anymore. It is heart breaking to see a love one get this disease. Yes, I will sign the petition. Hopefully one day there will be a cure found.