New studies reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2017 in London are providing new clues on Alzheimer’s early detection, the disease’s underlying causes, and factors that may impact a person’s dementia risk, such as sleep and diet.
Having seen the effects to many of my friend’s family who has a loved one living with Alzheimer’s, I know firsthand how critical this research is to improving quality of life for those with dementia, as well as finding ways to prevent people from ever developing it.
Despite these compelling findings, there is still so much we do not know about this devastating and fatal disease. Today, Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow, or stop Alzheimer’s, the number of Americans with the disease will triple by mid-century.
As is clear from the research and theories presented by leading scientists at AAIC 2017: There is no shortage of ideas, only dollars, for addressing Alzheimer’s and its devastating impact. That is why the Alzheimer’s Association is appealing to Congress to increase funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health by at least $414 million in fiscal year 2018.
Currently there are more than 5 million Americans, including 70,000 Kentuckians, living with Alzheimer’s. Please join me in asking Congressman Yarmuth for his continued commitment in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. To learn more and take action, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Chris Nation is an ambassador Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter
