Letters to the Editor: Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

To the Editor:

In 2014, my dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 64. Over the six years he lived with this, I had many first-hand opportunities to learn about the emotional, physical and financial challenges caregivers face.

One of the most significant challenges I experienced was determining the best long-term option for his care. Fortunately, my mom and I were able to work together to research information and find a solution for our unique needs. But even with each other’s support, it was still a lot for us to take on, especially the challenge of planning long-term care while simultaneously adapting to my dad’s ongoing behavior and communication changes.

Today, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act (S.56/ H.R.1474) would provide grants for training and support services for families and unpaid caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

As a constituent of New Jersey’s second congressional district, I would like to acknowledge Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s ongoing support of legislation related to Alzheimer’s. With November being National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and National Family Caregivers Month, I would like to commend him for co-sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act earlier this year.

Bradley Nussbaum

Hammonton