Alzheimer’s families understand the need

By Kelly Hauer

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For more than 15 years in my role with the Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter, I've witnessed the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease not only on people with the disease, but also on their family members and friends who lovingly provide care.

First, let me put this public health issue into perspective.

More than 10,000 baby boomers a day turn age 65 - the threshold of increased risk for developing Alzheimer's. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have this disease that slowly steals memories, independence, autonomy and, ultimately, life. Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in this country and the fifth-leading cause of death in Iowa. There is no other chronic disease that affects so many without a way to cure, prevent or even slow its progression.

According to the Alzheimer's Association 2011 Alzheimer's disease Facts and Figures, an estimated 69,000 Iowans are living with Alzheimer's - and 131,854 family members and friends provided over 150 million hours of unpaid care to Iowans with Alzheimer's and other dementias. That care is valued at more than $1.7 billion.

Beyond the sheer numbers of lives touched by the disease, the financial impact on the nation is staggering as well. From now to 2050, Medicare costs will increase nearly 600 percent and Medicaid nearly 400 percent - if we do nothing.

More than a year ago, hundreds of Iowans, including me, advocated for the National Alzheimer's Project Act, which passed unanimously in both the houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Obama.

We are now at a critical moment where the creation of a strategic plan to address the escalating Alzheimer's crisis is within our grasp, but we need the nation's political leaders to follow through and fulfill their commitment, including funding.

Please let your voice be heard and urge the president to fulfill his promise and deliver a national strategic plan that is urgent, achievable and accountable with the necessary resources to change the trajectory of this disease.

Alzheimer's can't wait and our families won't forget. Learn more and lend your voice at http://napa.alz.org/share-your-feedback

Kelly Hauer, of Cedar Rapids, is executive director of the Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter. Comments: Kelly.Hauer@alz.org