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Becoming an Advocate: Navigating the Alzheimer's and Dementia Journey

Passionate advocates in purple, smiling and holding signs at California's Advocacy Day 2023 in Sacramento, California, united to end Alzheimer's. Their vibrant spirit and dedication shine in the fight against this challenging disease.
Advocates at the Alzheimer's Foundation Day of Advocacy at the state capital in Sacramento, CA

As a caregiver for my mom, the journey through dementia has been challenging, but I found a beacon of support in the Alzheimer's Association. My gratitude extends to the employees and volunteers of this organization whose commitment inspired me to become an advocate for the cause. In this blog post, I put on my advocate hat to shed light on vital legislation such as the  NAPA Reauthorization Act (S.133/H.R. 619) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (S. 134/H.R. 620) and their personal impact on my family.


Over the past decade, progress against Alzheimer's and dementia has been significant, largely attributed to the NAPA Reauthorization Act (NAPA) and the Alzheimer's Accountability Act (AAA). These authorizations are set to expire in 2025, it is imperative that they be renewed. This legislation has been instrumental for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.


 The NAPA Reauthorization Act aims to build on existing progress, focusing on research, clinical and long-term care, public awareness, and healthy aging. It addresses health disparities, crucially impacting underrepresented populations, including those in our state.


Enacted in 2014, AAA mandated NIH scientists to submit annual Alzheimer's research budget proposals to Congress. The Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act will ensure this information remains available, aiding Congress in determining necessary research funding levels each year.


Ongoing support will empower scientists to accelerate research, advancing disease knowledge, reducing risk, discovering biomarkers, and developing new treatments.


The journey of caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's led me to become an advocate, and I urge everyone to reach out to their representatives for their support. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Representative John Garamendi (CA-08) for his unwavering commitment to the Alzheimer's and dementia cause. His co-sponsorship of the bipartisan NAPA Reauthorization Act (S.133/H.R. 619) and the Alzheimer's Accountability Act (AAA) are significant steps toward updating and expanding our national plan to address Alzheimer's and related dementias. Let's collectively support the reauthorization of NAPA and AAA, ensuring that progress against Alzheimer's continues, and the future becomes brighter for families facing this challenging journey. Together, we can make a difference.


🌐 Take Action Now:


If you feel inspired to join the movement and make a difference, visit our Take Action page on these bills: AlzImpact.org/ActNow](https://alzimpact.org/actnow . Your voice matters, and taking action will contribute to building a stronger and more impactful movement in the fight against Alzheimer's.



A woman's hand holds a purple fan with #EndALZ printed on it at State Advocacy Day in Sacramento, CA. The fan symbolizes the committment to ending Alzheimer's even on warm days of advocacy. #AlzheimersAdvocacy #SacramentoAdvocacy #EndAlz
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