To the Editor:
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. has co-sponsored legislation in support of Alzheimer’s disease research funding to benefit over 5 million Americans. More recently, he has joined many of his fellow House Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 4351—Alzheimer’s Accountability Act that would ensure that Congress will know what the scientists need to find an effective Alzheimer’s treatment.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most expensive disease in America, costing more than heart disease and cancer. Medicare and Medicaid will spend $150 billion in 2014 caring for people with Alzheimer’s.
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. recently attended a “Coffee with the Congressman” event at the Route 440 Diner in Jersey City with a group of his constituents and Alzheimer’s Association Greater Chapter of NJ ‘s President Ken Zaentz and Coordinator of Advocacy Deborah Warburton. Also present were constituents who came to share their care-giving stories and enlighten the Congressman and his staff about the emotional, physical, and financial burden this disease places on the caregivers.
Congressional action is needed to stay on the path to discovering scientific breakthroughs and we commend Congressman Payne, Jr. for his work on the HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER’S ACT, the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act, the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert program, and other bills to increase Alzheimer’s disease research (H.R. 1507, 1508, 2975, 2976).
Be an advocate and join our Annual Walk at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, on September 20, 2014.
ROSITA MCGOVERN
Public Policy Ambassador for the Greater Chapter of New Jersey’s Alzheimer’s Association’s 10th Congressional District