Fighting Alzheimer's Disease

Fighting Alzheimer's Disease
Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of November 21, 2005

Washington, Nov 21 - When historians reflect on President Ronald Reagan's eight years in office, they almost always focus on his role in ending the Cold War. He had the vision, wherewithal and courage to take on tyranny and win. He is, and will remain, one of the most influential presidents this country has ever had.

Known as the Great Communicator, President Reagan had a way of connecting with the American people. His speeches gave us direction in a time where our nation seemed lost. He was a simple, modest man who had the ability to inspire a nation and the courage to lead through conviction.

Last year, Ronald Reagan succumbed to a ten-year battle against Alzheimer's disease. Upon learning that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, President Reagan addressed the country one last time, in an open letter to the American people. The letter - dated November 4, 1994 - conveyed his message of hope that his fight will raise awareness of this disease.

We have learned a great deal about Alzheimer's disease since President Reagan was diagnosed. We understand more about this disease than ever before. However, many people don't know how many lives this disease touches. Alzheimer's disease affects 4.5 million Americans and nearly half of all people 85 and older, but does not receive the attention other incurable diseases do because those who have it cannot advocate for funding and many caregivers don't speak up. There is a genuine concern that as the population ages, this will become a real epidemic unless we address it right away.

President Reagan's final letter to the American people also touched on his concerns about the toll Alzheimer's will take on his family. He was painfully aware of how the burden his loved ones would shoulder as the disease progressed. In the letter he wrote, "Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience."

Many people don't realize the hardships family members face as caregivers for Alzheimer's patients. As Alzheimer's disease gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to make judgments, communicate and carry out even the most routine of daily activities, it becomes mandatory that the patient has care twenty-four hours a day. This responsibility often falls to an immediate family member.

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. The often cases have no idea who their caregiver is anymore, even if that person had been their loving spouse or the child they raised into an adult. The emotional toll this takes on the caregiver is immense. It ranges from anger management issues to social withdrawal to depression. In many cases, the caregiver's health goes by the wayside as they exhaust themselves to take their loved one.

Caregivers' stories and struggles are important as we look for a way to address this issue. They are the people with the most personal knowledge of the disease and their accounts can help raise awareness, which in turn, will help us in the effort to secure more research money. As a member of the House Alzheimer's Disease Task Force, I am committed to increasing our federal effort to combat it. In doing so, we need to listen to the stories of the caregivers as they are the best advocates.

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

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