Letter to the Editor: Senators show Alzheimer's leadership

Dear Editor,

2023 was arguably the most significant year in advancing care for 10,000 Wyomingites and nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis each played important roles in that progress.

Both Wyoming senators were instrumental in ensuring that people living with Alzheimer’s can have access to FDA-approved treatments by signing a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider its requirements limiting access.

In addition, Sen. Barrasso cosponsored the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act, which aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, reduce strain on unpaid caregivers, and help people remain in their homes and communities through a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services.

Sen. Lummis has similarly been a strong advocate for Wyomingites with dementia and their caregivers. She cosponsored the NAPA Reauthorization Act, which continues the great work made possible through the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and progress in the treatment and research of Alzheimer’s. This has led to a seven-fold increase in Alzheimer’s research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

She also cosponsored the Alzheimer’s Accountability & Investment Act, which enables Congress to hear directly from NIH scientists on how much research funding is needed to make definitive progress in preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association applauds the efforts of Sen. Barrasso and Sen. Lummis. Their advocacy on behalf of those living with Alzheimer’s is inspiring and much needed.

Carissa Gemaehlich-Coursey

Public Policy Manager

Alzheimer’s Association of Wyoming

Cheyenne

 

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