Letter: For this disease, there’s no waiting for serious action

One year ago this week President Obama signed into law the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) that created a national Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s research, care and services.

The Council met this week to solidify a National Alzheimer’s Plan, releasing a draft framework that calls for an aggressive and coordinated effort to address Alzheimer’s disease.

Nationwide, an estimated 5.4 million Americans live with the Alzheimer’s disease, including 110,000 right here in Wisconsin.

More than 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 each day — the threshold risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

By 2050, 16 million Americans will have this disease that slowly steals memories, independence, autonomy and much more.

Families each day shoulder the tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll of caring for a loved with Alzheimer’s. They need action now — families can’t wait any longer.

We are at a critical moment where a plan to address the escalating Alzheimer’s crisis is within our grasp. But we need the nation’s leaders to follow through and fulfill their commitment.

I urge you to visit napa.alz.org to become an advocate, learn more and share your opinion about the National Alzheimer’s Plan.

Families can’t wait. Alzheimer’s can’t wait.

Tags: opinion, letters, health