Obama’s big step to fight Alzheimer’s

I’ve had to watch as loved ones with Alzheimer’s fade away and lose their memory, sense of self, and control over their bodily functions. Throughout, they seem frightened with no way to understand or communicate their fears. For decades, many have been tormented by this cruel disease with no hope in sight — but that changed recently.

On May 15, the Obama administration released the first national plan to fight Alzheimer’s disease and made an unprecedented commitment to stop the disease by 2025. The plan takes a two-pronged approach to prevent and effectively treat the disease, combining a focus on investing in future treatments with supports for families suffering under the weight of Alzheimer’s today.

I applaud President Obama and HHS Secretary Sebelius for this important step forward. Now Congress must step up and provide the resources, support and accountability necessary to achieve the plan’s bold goals and to finally eradicate Alzheimer’s by 2025.

Valdene Ortiz

Elgin