Letter to The Editor: Why should I care about Alzheimer’s?

Dear Editor,

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease and more than 15 million Alzheimer’s caregivers. As an Alzheimer’s Ambassador, it is my honor to represent them to our elected officials.

It was exciting to participate with 1,200 other people from across the country in the 28th annual Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. where we appealed to Congress for action on Alzheimer’s disease.

However, why should I care about Alzheimer’s? I am 23-years old, a graduate student and Alzheimer’s Disease doesn’t run in my immediate family. The reason why I’m “all in” to end Alzheimer’s is because it does affect me. Alzheimer’s is taking the vibrancy from my community. It doesn’t strike people who are sitting at home waiting to get it. Alzheimer’s strikes people who are brilliant and full of life—people who give so much of themselves to make each of our communities and our nation a better place. People who have so much more to give, but their ability is diminished by a disease that ravages the mind, the epicenter of creativity.

Alzheimer’s is not only devastating but fatal. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only cause of death among the top 10 without a way to prevent, stop or even slow its progression.

Thank you to Ray Melick from Representative Gary Palmer’s office for meeting with me to discuss the Alzheimer’s crisis. We appreciate Representative Palmer and his staff for their time and hope that we can count on them for continued support.

It is only through adequate funding and a strong implementation of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease that we will meet its goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s by 2025.

-Shea Summerlin, Ambassador for the Alabama / Florida Panhandle Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association