SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Today, U.S. Senator Martha McSally alongside U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a Senate hearing on the impact of Alzheimer’s at the Granite Reef Senior Center in Scottsdale.
The hearing, titled “Alzheimer’s and Other Cognitive Diseases: An Arizona Perspective” provided an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases, which affect many aging Americans and their caregivers in Arizona and around the country.
“We all know someone who has suffered from cognitive impairment, and the impact is immeasurable,” said Senator McSally. “Of the nearly 6 million estimated Americans aged 65 and older affected, 140,000 live in Arizona. My uncle was one of them as he suffered for many years before passing away from Alzheimer’s. In 2017, there were over 300,000 caregivers providing more than 376 million hours of unpaid care to those afflicted by Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.
“I want to thank Senator Susan Collins for convening today’s hearing in Arizona in order to gain a unique perspective on the great work our state is doing to battle the disease. The field hearing highlighted the many advances made in the fight against Alzheimer’s. However, we still have a long road ahead. I hope these different perspectives and ideas will not only help shape a path towards a cure, but also enhance our national dialogue on improving the quality of life of patients and caregivers.”
“Senator Martha McSally’s commitments and contributions to the Aging Committee’s work are many, and today’s hearing is a testament to her work to advance research and care for families facing Alzheimer’s disease,” said Senator Collins. “Alzheimer’s is one of the greatest public health priorities not only to seniors in the Grand Canyon State, but also throughout our nation. As the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Alzheimer’s Task Force in the Senate, I have worked to boost funding for Alzheimer’s research. With increased federal investments and public private partnerships, we are beginning to see hope. It was a pleasure to join my friend and colleague today to learn more about the progress we are making to combat this disease.”
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Witnesses at the hearing included health care experts and caregivers.
Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD is the Director for Center for Innovation in Brain Science at University of Arizona. Dr. Brinton's research is focused on the mechanisms underlying late onset Alzheimer’s and developing therapeutics to prevent, delay and cure the disease. Her discovery research program focuses on systems biology of: Mechanisms underlying risk of Alzheimer’s during female brain aging; Sex differences in mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s and Regeneration and repair mechanisms to regenerate the Alzheimer’s brain.
Lisa Capp of Phoenix is a dementia caregiving survivor. She serves on the Alzheimer’s Association Leadership Board for the Desert Southwest, is a member of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) and AlzAuthors. Lisa was a caregiver for her mother for 18 years before her mother passed away. She and her husband were the sole caregivers. She has siblings who helped remotely as they could, however she had the responsibility of caring for her mother. She now advocates nationally for caregivers.
Alireza Atri, MD, PhD is the Director of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute. He previously cared for his father who suffered from dementia for 10 years. He is part of an Alzheimer’s Association workgroup that has developed 20 recommendations for the clinical evaluation of patients with cognitive or behavioral complaints.
Arizona has the fastest growing rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. Of the nearly 6 million estimated Americans aged 65 and older affected, 140,000 live in Arizona. Furthermore, the death rate in Arizona is almost 20% higher than the U.S. average.
On July 17, McSally (R-AZ) helped introduced the Anti-Spoofing Penalties Modernization Act of 2019 to aid Americans who are being inundated with robocalls.
On June 14, McSally (R-AZ) introduced bipartisan legislation to allow U.S. Postal Service customers the option of purchasing a semipostal—or fundraising—stamp that would benefit efforts to raise awareness about elder abuse and support efforts to protect seniors.
On June 7, McSally (R-AZ) introduced a bipartisan package of legislation to provide and enhance support systems for older Americans.
On April 2, McSally (R-AZ) highlighted the impact Alzheimer’s has on Arizona families.
McSally sits on the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
