Become an Alzheimer's Advocate

 Join us and speak up for the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

Add your voice to ours — become an advocate today.

Now is the time to make Alzheimer’s disease a priority in Maine and across the country. As of 2012, more than 5 million Americans have the disease; by 2050, that number grows to 16 million.  In Maine alone, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s will increase from 37,000 individuals today to over 53,000 individuals by 2020. One in eight people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease, and Maine’s 65-74 year old age group is forecast to grow by 77% in the next ten years. The annual cost of Alzheimer’s today is $183 billion; by mid-century, the disease could cost our country over a trillion dollars per year. Most importantly, behind every statistic, there is a person. Millions of people are enduring the devastation of this disease that steals memories, independence, control, time, and ultimately, life. Family members and friends struggle to provide or ensure exhaustive, round-the-clock care as their loved ones succumb to the disease. 

2013 Advocacy Forum 

25 years of making our VOICE heard.

Since 1989, dedicated Alzheimer's advocates have gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum to share their personal stories, learn about the latest legislative efforts, celebrate policy efforts and urge elected officials to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority.

With the passage of the National Alzheimer's Project Act and the release of the first-ever National Alzheimer's Plan, our advocacy efforts have produced results. We know that a common goal can, and will, create change — but there is much more to be done. Join us in our nation's capital April 22-24, 2013, for the 25th Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum as we once again come together to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. For more information visit  alz.org/forum

Can't make it to Washington, D.C.? Help by urging your lawmakers to act on Alzheimer's disease!

State Policy Priorities

Maine State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine 

We are exicted to announce the release of the first ever State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine. The plan is a result of a state taskforce that was convened by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to LD 859, legislation sponsored by State Sen. Margaret Craven of Lewiston, which was signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage in June 2011. Maine’s Office of Elder Services partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter to recruit additional stakeholders to serve on workgroups to develop the plan over an 11-month period. Individuals from across the state were involved, including family and professional caregivers. The Maine State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias will help guide our response to meeting the needs of individuals and their families affected by mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia today, tomorrow and into the next decade.

Read the State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine.

Federal Policy Priorities

Appropriations

 As Congress continues budget negotiations, we are monitoring potential next steps and identifying additional possible areas of concern. 

Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act

The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2011 (H.R. 1897) would advance breakthrough treatments for people living with Alzheimer’s by requiring a federal commitment Alzheimer’s disease research. The Act has 135 cosponsors in the 112^th House. Rep. Michael Michaud is a co-sponsor. 

HOPE for Alzheimer's Act

The "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act" seeks to improve diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and increase access to information, care and support for newly diagnosed individuals and their families - providing essential support for those facing this devastating, debilitating disease.  The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act was reintroduced in the 113th Congress by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME). 

This legislation is one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s most important legislative priorities in the 113th Congress.In the last session of Congress, the HOPE For Alzheimer’s Act garnered 173 co-sponsors and wide, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. We need your help to build and maintain bipartisan support for passage of this critical legislation!!

Please ask your members of Congress to become a cosponsor of the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act in the 113th Congress.