Alzheimer’s: Disease research needs attention, funds

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in America. More than 120,000 people in Washington state and over five million in the US are living with Alzheimer’s.

As a hospice medical director for Franciscan Health System, I see the devastating consequences of Alzheimer’s on patients, families and caregivers. This toll includes drain on finances, emotional health and physical health of caregivers.

This trajectory can be influenced by research and determining the most appropriate care at the appropriate time.

By increasing federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research by $354 million and by supporting $20 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, our local members of Congress have the opportunity to provide millions of Americans like me with a sense of hope for treatment or a cure.

This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Alzheimer’s: Disease research needs attention, funds."