Bill will make difference in Alzheimer's fight

Alzheimer's disease is the only leading cause of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression - and it's the most expensive disease in the country. As an Alzheimer's Association advocate, I take these facts and figures personally because of my late wife Anne's struggles with this illness. It was a traumatic time for our family as we watched her progression over the course of seven years. Without an end to this disease, the struggles I have with my wife and other members of my immediate family may be the reality for my children and grandchildren and all of us for generations to come.

To address these staggering statistics and stories like mine, the National Institutes of Health stated that they needed a minimum of $2 billion annually for scientists to make the inroads necessary to find a prevention or cure. Ten years ago, that idea seemed undoable, but thanks to bipartisan leaders like my Representative, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congress just passed and signed into law a historic $425 million increase. We are well on our way to a world without Alzheimer's.

The passage of this investment is a huge victory. With the committed support of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Alzheimer's research funding has more than quadrupled since 2011.

Please join me and my family in thanking Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for taking the critical action needed to end this dreadful disease.

Earl Bateman

Schaumburg