The Alzheimer’s Association and its advocates in Congressional District 09 met with Congressman Doug Collins on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 in his Gainesville office. The event gave nine people from various parts of the district the platform to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s. Two constituents living with the disease and their care partners also were present to share their stories and ask the Congressman to consider joining the bi-partisan task force on Alzheimer’s Disease that was founded in 1999. This task force is to advance Alzheimer’s research, meet the needs of the people with the disease and raise awareness of Alzheimer’s among the public and in Congress. 

During the event, the Congressman joined with the others in agreement that “we need to find a cure or treatment for this terrible disease.” Rose & Bill Dery shared the shock of learning that Bill had the disease and the reversal of roles that they never expected to happen. Rose shared how grateful she was for the programs and support groups available from the Alzheimer’s Association. She remarked that people need to “seek out help” when they are facing this disease.

Congressman Collins expressed how much he had learned from his own personal experience of the disease with his mother who died last year. He expressed that he is supportive of the advocates efforts and the work that they are doing. Congressman Collins was a co-sponsor of BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act [S2076], which was recently signed into law by President Trump.

“Alzheimer's Association is thankful to the advocates that shared their personal stories with Congressman Collins,” added Linda Davidson, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter. "And we are grateful for Congressman Collins for his support on the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act and additional funding for Alzheimer’s research”, added Davidson.