Congresswoman Waters Kicks Off Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month at Memory Walk LA

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), a Congressional advocate for Alzheimer's patients, families and caregivers, participated in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk LA event on Sunday, November 7th to highlight the need for increased research, education and funding to fight the disease.

She delivered the following remarks:

"I am so proud to be here with all of you, and I am so proud to support the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's treatment, support and research. 

Alzheimer's disease is a tragic disease that affects more than five million Americans, and it has a devastating impact on families.  The Alzheimer's Association reported that almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.  Caregivers include spouses, children, and even grandchildren.  Caregiving is extremely stressful.  More than 40 percent of caregivers rate the emotional stress as high or very high, and about one-third of caregivers have symptoms of depression.  Caregiving also takes a financial toll.  Many individuals quit work, reduce their hours or take time off of work in order to provide care.

As a Member of Congress, I am working hard to expand federal support for Alzheimer's patients, caregivers, and families, and I've worked closely with the Alzheimer's Association. 

• Last year, the House of Representatives passed my legislation to expand the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program.  This program was originally developed by the Alzheimer's Association to help local communities and law enforcement officials quickly identify persons with Alzheimer's disease who wander away from home or are missing and reunite them with their families.  The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill in June, and it is now awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

• I also introduced the Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act, which would provide grants to improve treatment for Alzheimer's patients and expand training and support services for their families and caregivers.  This bill has 79 cosponsors representing both political parties, and it's been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association and nearly 100 other national, state and local organizations. 

• In addition, I helped the California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association obtain a $190,000 grant for caregiver education, outreach and public awareness right here in Los Angeles.

I congratulate all of you for participating in today's Memory Walk, and especially during November, which is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, I commend you for your commitment to improving the lives of Alzheimer's patients and their families and expanding research to find a cure for this heartbreaking disease."

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