As someone who has seen the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s firsthand, I know how urgently we need progress in treatment and prevention. My wife, Gina, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and is living with the effects every day.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today, and Florida has the second-highest number of residents with the disease. Without breakthroughs, that number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
That’s why I’m joining the Alzheimer’s Association in urging Representative Webster to support increased federal funding: an additional $113.485 million for Alzheimer’s and dementia research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $35 million to strengthen the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, which equips public health departments to better respond to the growing crisis.
These investments fuel progress in early detection, treatment options and care strategies. Continued bipartisan support has driven historic momentum—and we cannot afford to slow down.
Please, Representative Webster, once again stand with Florida families like mine. I know you will continue to support us and will support these funding increases so we can move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.
Villager Steve Waterhouse serves as chairman of the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and North Florida.