Alzheimer’s Association Ohio Advocacy Day on Wednesday open to everyone | News

COLUMBUS — Hundreds of people touched by Alzheimer’s disease from around the state will gather virtually to send a message to the Ohio Legislature: Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis and advocates will continue to fight for resources for Ohio’s families.

This year’s Alzheimer’s Association’s State Advocacy Day will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 14, and is open to the public. The association is encouraging anyone who has been touched by the disease to register in order to learn more about the deadly disease and get updates on priority legislation.

Trey Addison, director of state public policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, said, “Advocacy Day is a signature event for Ohio, and it brings together hundreds of advocates, families, and partners in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“This year’s event will be a compilation of highlighting our robust research around early detection and prevention while highlighting policy that is pushing Ohio to be at the forefront of Alzheimer’s care and support. We are excited that Governor Mike DeWine and leadership in both the Ohio House and Senate support our work and will participate in the event,” he said.

This year’s program will include a presentation from Dr. Claire Sexton, director of scientific programs and outreach for the National Alzheimer’s Association. Participants will also hear from DeWine and Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel McElroy.

Last year’s Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Day was cancelled because of the pandemic, but Alzheimer’s advocacy work has continued.

The State Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, charged to create Ohio’s first state Alzheimer’s plan, is expected to deliver its recommendation by August.

Also, legislation that requires enhanced dementia training for first responders is currently awaiting a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, go to https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-2IgZsjTRTuq4YguJOIgjg or call 937.610.7004. After registering, individuals will receive a Zoom link to join the virtual event.

In Ohio, there are 220,000 individuals ages 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, 442,000 family and friends provide unpaid care for them. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal brain disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think, plan, speak, walk. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.