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Awareness, advocates needed to fight disease

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and 15.7 million Alzheimer’s caregivers.

That includes more than one million people with a diagnosis and their care partners right here in Pennsylvania.

In addition to being the sixth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s is also the most expensive disease in the nation, costing $226 billion in 2015.

That number will grow to $1.1 trillion in 2050, potentially bankrupting Medicare in the process.

With these costs, families are often faced with a lack of education, knowledge and support for the issues that arise following a dementia diagnosis.

Rep. Bill Shuster deserves credit for his support and encourage community members to get involved as advocates.

Following a dementia diagnosis, care planning is crucial to improve outcomes for all those impacted.

The HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R.1559/S. 857) will provide critical care planning to people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Pennsylvania has some of the strongest bipartisan support for this important piece of legislation. Visit alz.org/advocacy to get involved with the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Stephenie Robertson

Roaring Spring

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