June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to encourage national conversation about brain health and raise awareness to improve health care outcomes. Over six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Of that number, 67,000 are Oklahomans. Anyone who is impacted by Alzheimer’s understands the gravity of this disease and the hardship endured by both the individual and the loved ones surrounding them.

Some estimate the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s may triple by 2060. Now more than ever, we must prioritize innovation and access to beat this statistic and work together to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the U.S. an estimated $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion. The incentive for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s is not just personal but economical as well.

This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Oklahomans who are working to advance research and improve the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are over 129,000 Oklahomans who are providing care to family or friends who have Alzheimer’s. Special thank you to organizations like the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for offering educational training to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s and connecting patients with local resources. This is in addition to their support for patients and caregivers and participation in advocacy work and research.

Alzheimer’s disease has impacted both my mother’s and father’s sides of the family, and I know there is nothing more devastating than seeing a family member who is not themselves. While many loved ones provide care without expecting anything in return, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your care, patience, and endless support for those you love.

This disease takes and takes some more, and I couldn’t be more grateful for those who keep giving so one day, we can find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. May we never cease in our efforts to find a cure and end Alzheimer’s disease as we know it.