The Forget-Me-Not plant is often used to symbolize the struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. (CONTRIBUTED

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 15 million Alzheimer’s caregivers. It is my honor as an Alzheimer’s advocate to represent them to our elected officials.

I was honored to participate with 1,200 others from across the country in the 28th annual Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C., where we appealed to Congress for action on Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the human toll, Alzheimer’s is the most expensive condition in the nation, costing $236 billion a year. Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. These costs will continue to increase as baby bombers age, soaring to more than $1 trillion in 2050.

Alzheimer’s is not only devastating but fatal. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 without a way to prevent, stop or even slow its progression.

Thank you to Rep. Mo Brooks for meeting with our delegation to discuss the Alzheimer’s crisis. I hope we can count on your continued support.

It is only through adequate funding and a strong implementation of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease that we will meet its goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s by 2025.

Thank you,

Brandi Medina, Director of Programs & Education

Alzheimer’s Association — Mid-South Chapter

117 A Longwood Drive SE, Huntsville AL 35801

24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900, alz.org/altn