I am grateful that with all the understandable focus on the COVID-19 virus, Congress did not lose sight of the need to improve care and support for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Approximately 5% of the more than five million Americans living today with Alzheimer’s acquire this disease earlier in life than usual. I have met people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in their 50’s. Until now, these folks have been ineligible to receive Older Americans Act help like nutritional programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder-abuse prevention and care giver support.

My aunt is suffering from Alzheimer’s and I have watched her struggle to maintain her memories of family and friends. In my work in the field of aging I have been often exposed to the tragedy this disease causes for those who have been inflicted with this disease and their families.

I am grateful that Congressman Derek Kilmer responded to the Alzheimer’s Association advocates by cosponsoring and passing a bill to let Area Agencies on Aging (including our local AAA) give support to those with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease. All our members of Congress should continue to actively support policies that address Alzheimer’s as the national public health crisis it is.

Mark Stensager

Aberdeen