Increase funding for Alzheimer’s research

Joining more than 1,100 fellow advocates on Capitol Hill for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement Advocacy Forum recently truly re-ignited my passion for social justice. Everyone gathering to fight for critical funding, enhancing research and an eventual cure for a disease that impacts more than 7.2 million people in the U.S. was incredibly inspiring.

I have a relative who is among the many people with dementia, and I had the opportunity to share his story and my family’s reality with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and his staff.

A crucial pillar for Alzheimer’s Advocacy is research. We have to ensure researchers have the resources to ask the hard questions, and more important, to build answers. It is imperative that Congress continues to support scientific discovery so better care is provided to those with this life-altering disease.

Over the past decade, we have secured historic funding in Alzheimer’s research that has led to promising diagnostics and treatments, including FDA-approved drugs that slow the progression of the disease.

I’m also proud to be a part of advocacy efforts at the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, which is leading the nation in state dementia policy. For people like my relative, it is too late to make use of new discoveries; however, I find comfort knowing these tools and progress can be used to change the course of this disease for others.

Bipartisan congressional support has led us to the most hopeful time in the history of Alzheimer’s. In order to advance — not stop — our nation’s progress against this devastating disease, I am calling on Congress to support a $113.5 million increase in research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for fiscal year 2026. The time is now to not only invest in progress but invest in hope.

Riddhi Patel

Elk Grove Village