Alzheimer's Association
 Advocacy Federal Update Header JPEG

Time to get busy

"Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not
sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”  -Dale Carnegie

September is World Alzheimer's Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of Alzheimer's disease. For weeks, advocates like yourself have been out in communities signing petitions, meeting with elected officials and hosting town hall events in a coordinated effort to ensure that Alzheimer's disease is a national priority. Tomorrow, Alzheimer's Action Day, will be the culmination of much of these efforts as citizens and elected leaders wear purple and publicly proclaim their desire to End Alzheimer's.  

Almost every minute another American gets Alzheimer's, and as the baby boom generation gets older those numbers will double. With 1 in 8 Americans aged 65 and over having Alzheimer's, our nation cannot wait to address this disease. The time to act is now

The National Alzheimer's Plan, as well as vital research and support programs, have not yet received the resources they need to change the course of this dreaded disease. Last week the U.S. House of Representatives agreed to fund federal agencies through March 2013 at levels similar to last year; the Senate is poised to vote on the same measure this week. As a result, we still have an opportunity to influence the funding process. As a reminder, this process is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. But we need your help to win the race.

Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to provide $100 million in additional resources to fight Alzheimer's.   

MIssing Patient Alert Bill Passes

Despite the delays in passing a new budget, Congress has taken steps to ensure the safety of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. On September 11, 2012 the U.S. House passed the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program and Reauthorization Act of 2012. The legislation expands programs that allow law enforcement to quickly identify dementia patients who wander from their homes or care facilities and reunite them with their families. Read more. 

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