We face an unprecedented Alzheimer’s crisis in Seminole County. Dementia risk for those 55 and over is 42%, more than double previous estimates. That equates to more than half a million new cases a year nationwide. Three years ago this month, Dad died of Alzheimer’s after living more than a decade with the diagnosis. Getting an early diagnosis helped him receive the best possible care and gave him more time to plan and make decisions. The struggle of his caregiving and the toll it took on our family is one that thousands of Florida residents know all too well.
Florida has the second highest number of residents with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. Yet we are the only state lacking a public health campaign to help residents take action. Senate Bill 398 would fund Florida’s first-ever statewide Alzheimer’s awareness campaign. We ask our legislative leaders to support ensuring that residents know the signs of Alzheimer’s and how to take action.
This bill would address early detection, risk reduction, brain health, recent research and community resources. This would help Floridians to seek an early diagnosis and to access treatments, clinical trials and caregiver support services.
I ask State Senator Jason Brodeur to help Floridians take action on their health and support S.B. 398.
