Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to join my colleagues in bringing attention to Alzheimer's disease and dementia, which tragically affects so many people across our Nation, including in my home State of Hawaii. Today, the Alzheimer's Association recognizes World Alzheimer's Action Day as a way of raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with Alzheimer's. Sadly, this disease has touched the lives of the families of so many of my friends, colleagues, and staff. In 2010, 27,000 people in Hawaii were living with Alzheimer's disease. Their family members and loved ones sacrificed to help them with nearly $800 million worth of unpaid care. Not only is this a devastating disease for the people afflicted with it, but the emotional and monetary costs to their families are enormous. The reach of the disease continues to grow, and it is estimated that the cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementia in America will reach $1.1 trillion by 2050. Despite the fact that Alzheimer's has affected so many, the disease itself remains poorly understood. Not only does it cause memory loss and confusion, but it is also the sixth leading cause of death nationwide. During the last Congress, my colleagues and I worked together to pass the National Alzheimer's Project Act, which President Obama signed into law in 2011. This law created a national strategic plan to address the crisis of Alzheimer's disease and to make ending Alzheimer's a national priority.…”