Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

2020 was a year of great uncertainty that saw those affected by Alzheimer’s at greater risk than ever before, but 2021 represents a time to be optimistic. With the recent election of Representative, Dr. Ronny Jackson, families like mine all across the state look forward to working closely with him to address the Alzheimer’s public health crisis.

Today more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, including over 400,000 in Texas. Despite the sobering statistics, I feel a great deal of hope in our battle against this disease. The fight against Alzheimer’s has been a source of unity among Democrats and Republicans. By applying a public health approach to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, and advance care, Rep., Dr. Ronny Jackson and his bipartisan colleagues in Congress can change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease.

As a family member who has lost someone to this terrible disease and a professional working with families and loved ones, Alzheimer’s disease is devastating, not only emotionally but economically as well. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for those suffering Alzheimer’s and other dementias and this number is expected to grow with no cure or way to stop the progression of this disease.

Please join me in welcoming Rep., Dr. Ronny Jackson as the newest member of Congress to lead in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by raising awareness. It’s only through increased awareness and research funding that we will discover new ways to treat and eventually prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Danna Jackson,

LBSW, IPR Alzheimer’s Ambassador and Community Educator