Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In 2013, Alzheimer’s cost the nation $203 billion; this number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050. Join Alzheimer’s advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum, as we urge Congress to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority.
Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic. More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death; by 2050, that number could rise to 13.8 million. And over 15 million family members and friends currently care for someone with the disease.
People like you.
Help us make a difference by joining the faces of Alzheimer’s at the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. Come to Washington, D.C., as we put a spotlight on the disease and compel our policymakers to engage in the fight.
Face the facts: It’s time to take action against Alzheimer’s.
Online registration for the 2014 Forum is open here.
Letter from 2014 Forum Chair
Fellow Alzheimer’s Advocates:
When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, I decided that I wasn’t going to sit back and let this disease go unchallenged. I was going to make a difference, and advocacy is one of the ways I’ve chosen to do so. To raise awareness, I share my story at Walk events, Town Hall meetings, support groups and at every other opportunity I can.
I am honored to be chair of the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. This will be our 26th meeting, and once again we’re planning a seminal event. We’ll hear speakers from across party lines who will share the best practices of advocacy and insider views of the political landscape in Washington, D.C.
This is your opportunity to network with people from across the country. And on the Forum’s final day, you’ll be able to put all you have learned into practice as we storm Capitol Hill in a purple tide and convey to Congress the urgent need to change the trajectory of this disease.
I know you understand that Alzheimer’s is devastating for millions of people who have it or who provide care for someone. You also understand that only through our effective advocacy will our leaders in Washington be motivated to take action.
Please join me in being a voice in Washington for those who otherwise wouldn’t be heard. You, too, can make adifference.
I look forward to meeting you in April.
Scott Russell
Chair, 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum
National Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php