Congresswoman Waters Supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), a leading proponent of legislation to support the treatment and care of patients with Alzheimer's disease, congratulated the California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for organizing the Walk to End Alzheimer's. The Walk will be held Sunday, October 9^th, at Century City Park in Los Angeles, California. The Congresswoman issued the following statement:

I commend the California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for organizing the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and I congratulate all of the dedicated individuals who are taking time out of their lives to participate in this walk.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it affects over five million American families. One in eight Americans age 65 and older suffers from Alzheimer's disease, and every 70 seconds, another person in the United States develops this disease. African American and Latino families have been disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer's disease. Recent research indicates that African Americans are about two times more likely than whites to suffer from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, and Latinos are about one and one-half times more likely than whites to suffer from these conditions.

Alzheimer's disease affects the entire family. Most Alzheimer's patients live at home under the care of family and friends. Caregivers include spouses, children, and even grandchildren. Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer's disease can be an extremely stressful experience. Caregivers face a variety of challenges ranging from feeding, bathing, and dressing patients to helping them take their medications, managing their finances, and making legal decisions. Caregiving can also take a financial toll. Many individuals quit work, reduce their hours or take time off of work in order to provide care to their loved ones.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is an opportunity to honor Alzheimer's patients and those who love and care for them. Alzheimer's patients deserve a life with dignity, and their families deserve our support. Let us rededicate ourselves to doing all we can to assist those who are affected by this tragic disease.

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• Congresswoman Waters introduced the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act (H.R. 2798) on August 5, 2011. This bill authorizes grants to public and non-profit organizations to expand training and support services for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Expanding access to training and support services will improve the ability of caregivers to provide effective, compassionate care and allow more Alzheimer's patients to remain in their homes with the people who love them. The bill has 17 cosponsors representing both political parties.

• Congresswoman Waters introduced the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization (H.R. 2800) on August 5, 2011. This bill reauthorizes a program that helps Alzheimer's patients who wander away from their homes and are unable to tell people in the community who they are or where they live. The program saves local law enforcement officials valuable time and allows them to focus on other security concerns, and it brings priceless peace of mind to families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The bill also has 17 cosponsors representing both political parties.

• On May 20, 2011, Congresswoman Waters wrote a letter to Congressional appropriators requesting $2 million for the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program in fiscal year 2012. A total of 27 Members of Congress signed the Congresswoman's letter.

• Congresswoman Waters helped the California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association obtain a $190,000 grant for caregiver education, outreach and public awareness in Los Angeles in fiscal year 2009.