More funding is needed for Alzheimer's research.

In the state of Washington, there are more than 110,000 people living with Alzheimer’s dementia. As an elder law attorney I see many, many cases of families dealing with a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. A good friend of mine was recently diagnosed with early-onset dementia at age 61. Anyone affected by this deadly disease knows the sense of loss, vulnerability, and stress this puts on a family. As a concerned citizen I joined the Alzheimer’s Association in advocating for more attention to this health crisis.

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the country. Medicare and Medicaid cover the lion’s share – $186 billion, or 67 percent, of the total healthcare and long-term care payments for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Protecting these programs is vital. Finding a treatment that delays the onset of Alzheimer’s will prevent the cost of the disease from engulfing Medicare and Medicaid.

The Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report reveals that, for the second consecutive year, the total national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will amount to $277 billion in 2018.

National Institutes of Health scientists in their Professional Judgment Budget recommended that Congress increase funding of Alzheimer’s and dementia research by more than $425 million in fiscal year 2019.

The financial toll of this disease — on individuals living with the disease, their families and the community — is too high. I urge Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to continue her support for people with dementia and those who care for them by working to pass these needed funds.

Jeanne J. Dawes

Attorney at Law

Gore & Grewe, P.S.

Spokane