Advocate

 photo of US Capitol

Join the cause

The Alzheimer’s Association--Vermont Chapter invites you to become an Alzheimer 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.

Act Now

Alzheimer's disease is the most expensive condition in the nation. In 2014, the direct costs to American society of caring for those with Alzheimer's will total an estimated $214 billion, including $150 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Despite these staggering figures, Alzheimer's will cost an estimated $1.2 trillion (in today's dollars) in 2050.

Coming on the heels of an unprecedented $122 million increase for Alzheimer's research, education, outreach and caregiver support in early 2014, Congress added an additional $25 million for research in the FY2015 budget. Still, a chronic underinvestment in Alzheimer's research persists.

Please thank your members of Congress for passing vital Alzheimer's legislation in 2014 and urge them to continue to support increased funding for Alzheimer's research.


News and events

During the Vermont State Advocacy Day on Thursday, Feb. 12, Vermont chapter advocate Jim Dooley (pictured below) delivered the opening devotional, speaking to an audience of more than 100 representatives and statehouse guests. 

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Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in January 2014, Dooley lives in Fairfax with his wife, Sheila, and recently retired from the VA, where he counseled veterans for more than 20 years.  

What is an advocate?

Alzheimer advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by working to improve dementia care and services; improve access to community-based care; improve quality care in residential settings; and expand funding for research and public programs serving people with dementia.

As an advocate, you will:

  • Receive regular updates about current legislative and public policy issues.
  • Stay on top of policy and legislative issues through alerts and updates.
  • Make calls or write to legislators to forward public policy priorities to improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.

Vermont advocacy

 Click here to view the Vermont Alzheimer's statistics

Federal advocacy