An estimated 720,000 people in California are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disease with no known cure. It not only robs the person of their memory but reduces cognitive abilities impacting their ability to do everyday tasks and live independently. And this disease disproportionately impacts women, Latinos, Black African Americans, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Alzheimer’s impacts not just the person living with the disease, but the entire family and the community surrounding them. While there is currently no cure, there is much that can be done to support people and their families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
California legislators can play an important role in impacting the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Investing and maintaining long term services and supports, home and community based resources, and education for caregivers will support people with Alzheimer’s.
As a person impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, I urge you to be a champion for families like mine. Often during lean years, programs for older adults are easy targets for budget cuts, but these cuts undermine critical programs that support Alzheimer’s families. Already underfunded, these programs provide important resources like respite for caregivers. Please prioritize funding for these important programs.
