LETTER: State must respond to public health crisis that is Alzheimer’s

To Ozaukee Press:

In Wisconsin, over 110,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s. That number may increase to 130,000 by 2025. On Feb. 19, I joined the Alzheimer’s Association and more than 185 other Alzheimer’s advocates at the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison to lend my voice on behalf of all those impacted by this devastating disease.

I advocated for people like my mother, Josie, who died after a 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s. My father, age 88, was her caregiver for most of those years.  Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the whole family. We all needed to provide support to both our parents, and providing care requires a substantial financial commitment from a family.

I met with Sen. Alberta Darling’s chief of staff, Rachel Keith, and asked for her support of a statewide expansion of the Dementia Care Specialist program and the Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support
program. These programs allow individuals with Alzheimer’s to experience the highest quality of life while remaining in their homes, and provide caregivers the opportunity for much needed respite.

Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis in Wisconsin. With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s expected to nearly double by 2040, Wisconsin must remain vigilant in its response to the disease.
 

Terese Capizzi
Mequon