On the recordJune 20, 2019
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and I rise today to share with this Chamber the impact that Alzheimer's disease has had on this country and my family. Today, 5.8 million Americans live with brain disease. I have witnessed firsthand the burdens of these illnesses because my father, Andrew Katko, lived with Alzheimer's for nearly a decade before succumbing to the disease a few months ago. My family was faced with the difficult decision on how to care for our father during this time in his life. This is not uncommon among families across our great Nation. Often, family and friends are primary caretakers for those suffering with Alzheimer's and dementia. My mother, Mary Lou, served as my father's primary caregiver, joining 16 million Americans who provide unpaid care. This year, unpaid caregivers will provide 18.5 billion hours of care valued at $234 billion. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act was signed into law last Congress proudly and is now being implemented. This legislation authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research prevention methods for dementias and establish local treatment facilities. I am committed to passing additional policies that improve the lives of those living with dementias. ____________________
