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![]() JOAN’S MON/TUE. BLOG– March 30/31, 2009 - ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE- OPINION FROM THE DC FORUM I have listed links to the important reports and videos from the Alzheimer’s Public Policy Forum above the Daily News. But now it is time for me to give you the heart and soul of my Washington experience Whenever Alzheimer’s Disease is discussed in a political, medical, or scientific context, the first theme one hears is – OLD. Most of the speeches I hear start with the words- “One in 7 people who reach 80 years old will develop AD, and that number increases to one in four people when a person reaches 85.” It is my opinion, and remember, this is just my own opinion, that as soon as a listener hears the age “80”, and even worse, “85”, they tune out. Shut down. The thinking, whether one is willing to admit it or not, is – “Well, they’re 80. They’re old I believe that attitude of dismissing an “elderly” disease has been at the heart of the “back burner” policy for Alzheimer’s Disease. So what has changed? Why is AD suddenly receiving so much media attention? Why did a high powered bipartisan commission, consisting of Newt Gingrich The answer lies in the numbers – age and monetary. Due in no small part to the advocacy of all of us caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, and especially to the advocacy of those with AD in the early stages who are able to speak for themselves, the Baby Boomer legislators woke up to a staggering fact – “Uh oh. It’s not just my 85 year old grandmother. IT COULD BE ME Now, if the fear of developing Alzheimer’s Disease themselves at a “younger” age of 50-65, did not get the attention of the legislators, the staggering monetary cost This year, the legislators, their aides, and their assistants listened to us. The atmosphere and attitude on Capitol Hill was different than last year. Please click this link to read the blog that states the 2009 Alzheimer’s Association’s legislative priorities, and know that they are backed 100% by the ASG report. And finally, what can we do to make sure that our cause stays on the front burner? I was not simply trying to “rally the troops” when I said in previous blogs that OUR STORIES COUNT. Speaking and writing from the heart make a difference. A huge difference. We Florida delegates were paired up when we went to our “face to face” legislative appointments I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contribution of our member, Tony Pesare, whose speech at the Candlelight Vigil MESSAGE BOARD TOPIC: Important Ideas and Opinions from the DC Forum Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com
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