Opinion: Alzheimer's is a crisis in NY. Congress must continue to help

Regarding "Important new Alzheimer's study focuses on Westchester scientist's work. Who qualifies?," lohud.com, Sept. 27:

Your recent article about the promising new Alzheimer’s treatment being developed at Burke Neurological Institute in White Plains should bring hope to everyone who is living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Although this treatment is for people in the early stages, it represents significant progress in the fight to end this terrible disease. However, many people — especially those in underserved communities — are unaware that breakthrough treatments exist and more will soon be available. It is crucial that we raise awareness of the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

As a board member and volunteer of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, diseases that are deeply personal to me. Nine years ago, I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s. Four years prior, I lost an uncle to Alzheimer’s. Currently, my mom has dementia.

As a Latina, I feel a strong responsibility to raise awareness about how our community is disproportionately affected by these diseases. Statistics show that Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than non-Hispanic white people. This disparity is alarming and highlights the urgent need to educate our community about the importance of early detection, prevention and local resources.

In my own life, I have seen how cultural and language barriers can make navigating healthcare more difficult. When I accompanied my dad, and now my mom, to medical appointments, I have been struck by how rarely physicians bring up the topic of brain health. Many know little about it. Few ever suggested screening or testing for dementia. This experience reflects a grim reality: too many people in our community are left undiagnosed or untreated simply because their healthcare providers are not asking the right questions or are not knowledgeable about cognitive health.

In order to change this, I call on Congress to pass and fully fund the BOLD Reauthorization Act to continue strengthening the public health response to Alzheimer’s. Additionally, I urge people who are struggling with Alzheimer’s and other dementias to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900. Help is available!

By working together, we can empower our community to seek the care and support they need. It’s time we elevate the conversation about Alzheimer’s and dementia to ensure every family has the tools and resources to better understand these diseases.

Sonia I. Martinez is a board member and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Opinion: Alzheimer's is a crisis in NY. Congress must continue to help