Local Alzheimer’s Association To Host Coffee With Congress

(Providence, RI), July 26, 2019 – Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death in Rhode Island, and it is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. That is why it is so important that we have elected officials who are working to make Alzheimer’s a national priority.

The Alzheimer’s Association invites the community to participate in Coffee with Congress to discuss the staggering impact of Alzheimer’s on Rhode Island and across the nation.

“This event offers a unique opportunity for Rhode Islanders to share their experiences and challenges in the face of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with our delegation who have been champions in the Alzheimer’s fight,” says Donna M. McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter. “We can explore the simple question with our Congressmen: did we make satisfactory progress this past year in the fight against Alzheimer’s?

In the last six years, Alzheimer’s research funding has nearly tripled. And equally important, we celebrated a major victory when Medicare began covering care planning services for those living with cognitive impairments including dementia in 2017 and when the BOLD Act to build a health care infrastructure for Alzheimer’s was passed Congress at the very end of 2018. But much more remains to be done.

This year, Alzheimer’s will cost America $290 billion, creating enormous strain on both state and federal budgets. Despite recent advances, the amount of research falls far short of the need. For every $9,700 Medicare and Medicaid spend caring for people with Alzheimer’s, the National Institutes of Health spends only $100 on Alzheimer’s research. We urgently need increased research funding, as well as policies that support people living with dementia today.

Whether you are a person living with the disease, family and professional caregivers, health and long term care workers, curious citizens, or students, join us for coffee with Rhode Island’s congressional delegation. You will hear from Congress about their perspective about the National Alzheimer’s Plan and Federal legislation that will improve care and fund more research for Alzheimer’s disease, including the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act, implementation of the BOLD Act, the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Act and more. Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee will also provide an update about the progress Rhode Island is making towards becoming a dementia-cable state.

Where: Warwick Central Public Library

When: Monday, August 19th, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

How: To RSVP, and for more information, please contact Eric Creamer at 401.421.0008 extension 9705 or at ercreamer@alz.org. Or register online at communityresourcefinder.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.