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Like so many, my husband Mike and I are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Mike was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 62, and since then we have made it our mission to raise awareness about this disease, fight stigma and ensure better policies as an advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association. Our hope is that in sharing our story, others who are affected by the disease will feel less alone and understand that with proper support there is life after diagnosis.
Remarkable progress in fighting Alzheimer’s has been made over the past decade. There are now two FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments. Exciting new research findings have implications for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. And Medicare is launching a pilot project to improve the quality of care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
But we wouldn’t be here without our champions in Congress, chief among them U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
More than a decade ago, she secured passage of landmark legislation that made addressing Alzheimer’s a national priority and enabled Congress to increase Alzheimer’s research funding. With these bills set to expire in 2025, Collins introduced two bipartisan bills, the NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, to update and expand these important laws. With strong support from advocates across the country, I’m pleased to report that these bills were passed by the Senate and the House and signed into law by the president!
I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to Collins for her continued dedication to helping families affected by dementia. She understands the challenges families like mine face, and it means a lot to know you’re not alone in this fight.
Mary Hartt
Hampden
