Liz Zemke: Alzheimer’s is killing too many Californians; it’s time to act

Re “Take BOLD stand against disease” (Letters, March 1): This great letter emphasizes the need to put more money into research of the devastating public health crisis that is Alzheimer’s Disease, and to study protective mechanisms that will help prevent its onset.

Alzheimer’s is California’s 3rd largest killer; it’s time to take action! I am asking Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, chair of the Assembly budget subcommittee on health, as well as all legislators, to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s request for $2.2 million to provide dementia-competency training to the state’s 33 area agencies on aging and to improve rates of early detection and diagnosis.

After attending an advocacy day in Sacramento, I am appalled that 50 percent of Californians with Alzheimer’s aren’t diagnosed until it’s too late to help. California can and should do a better job in detection and diagnosis.

I also call for support for AB 2400 to renew California’s voluntary tax check-off; of AB 2233 to expand Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver; of AB 2025 to invest in critical home and community-based services for those suffering with Alzheimer’s; of AB 1955 to establish a public education campaign to promote early detection and education. It’s time to end Alzheimer’s Disease and this devastating, under-recognized public health threat.

This story was originally published March 5, 2018 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Liz Zemke: Alzheimer’s is killing too many Californians; it’s time to act."