Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are a rapidly growing public health issue in Louisiana and throughout the nation.
Alzheimer's is one of the most expensive diseases in America, costing $360 billion in 2024. One in every five Medicare dollars is spent on someone with Alzheimer's. As the granddaughter of someone living with dementia, I understand the firsthand impact this disease has on families across America. My grandma has been one of the biggest influences on my life. It's difficult to see one of the strongest women I know battling such a heartbreaking disease. Without my nonna, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
That is why I am proud to be a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, which have been working to address the Alzheimer's crisis. I'm grateful for the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association and the progress that is being made toward finding a cure for Alzheimer's and dementia, with the hope that others may not have to experience the effects of this disease in the future. Working with bipartisan congressional champions, we've made monumental progress in advancing critical research and ensuring all affected families have access to care and support. But more work remains.
As a new member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields can play an important role in building on this progress. Please join me in encouraging Fields to support the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementia.
HOLLY VALDIVIESO
Baton Rouge