Dear Editor,

Today 76,000 Coloradans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that is expected to increase by 21% over the next few years. I lost my father, an aunt and uncle to the disease and can tell you that we must do more to support families impacted by this devastating disease. Congress is considering ways to help, and they should take immediate action on these important policies.

First, the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act would streamline the fractured and ever-changing healthcare maze that Alzheimer’s families must navigate to get the care for their loved ones. Coordinating the delivery of Alzheimer’s care can reduce costs while providing improved quality of care- a win-win for families and our healthcare system.

Congress is also considering reauthorizing two laws that have helped nation make progress in research, care and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease - the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act. These important laws have helped researchers and care providers understand the disease and the needs of families struggling with it. Extending these laws will enable this progress to continue at a time when more people could benefit from it.

I ask all members of Colorado’s congressional delegation to show their support for the Colorado Alzheimer’s families by cosponsoring these important bills today. I join the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association in thanking Sen. Bennet and Rep. Neguse for taking this action and ask Sen. Hickenlooper to join them.

Thank you,

Dan Thomas

Nederland