Contributed

ATLANTA — More than 140,000 Georgia residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias with the total predicted to increase to 190,000 by 2025.

This is why, on Feb. 27, 2018, the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter will have more than 300 advocates from across the state including advocates from the Chattahoochee Valley area will meet with legislators at the Georgia State Capitol to encourage support of several critical issues for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers for 2018 including:

• Reauthorizing the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan
• Continuing to fight abuse, neglect and exploitation of those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, through fighting benefits trafficking.
• Funding for Home and Community-based Services—especially to ensure that those still living in the community have access to the supports and services they need to remain in the community in their choice of home as long as possible.
• Ensuring access to quality long-term care for people with Alzheimer’s & other dementias.

“I am a full time caregiver for my mother who is living with Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Janet C. Bussey, Alzheimer’s Association advocate and Columbus resident. “My mother, a retired educator, is no longer able to advocate for herself. As an advocate, my goal is to recommend changes in how society provides for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s.

“I am committed to actively lobby policy makers at all levels of government to enact policies and legislation that promote and protect the protection, wellbeing and rights of persons living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. While there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s, there is no excuse for the existence of gaps in protection, care and resource provision,” Bussey said.

Visit alz.org/Georgia to learn more about Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and Alzheimer’s Advocacy in Georgia. Click here to register for Alzheimer’s Awareness Day.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.