Support finding a cure for Alzheimer’s

To the editor:

I took care of my wife for 11 years as the full-time caregiver in our home. I watched on a daily basis as one of the most beautiful people slipped away and there was nothing I could do. When she went to heaven, I promised I would do everything in my power to help find a cure for Alzheimers. We are looking for a cure and not slowing down.

I have had the privilege of being an Alzheimers Ambassador and going to Washington D.C. to get more money for research. Last year we were able to get a $350 million increase for research making a total of $850 million. Almost more than twice the previous dollars. The answer is a lot of research and it will happen. Our elected officials understand the problem, but need our guidance to get it done.

We have 63,000 people in Iowa with Alzheimers and 5 million in the U.S. Thirteen percent of our seniors have Alzheimers. Average cost per year per person is $84,000 and the estimated value of unpaid care is $1,853,000,000 for year 2015. With medical costs going up and the number of seniors increasing it is easy to see we must find a cure. Contact your elected representative and give them your support.

Richard Bice

Marion