Klinker addresses Alzheimer’s advocacy group at Statehouse

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) joined Gov. Eric Holcomb and others to discuss the impacts of Alzheimer's disease and the fight to find a cure. Klinker issued the following statement today regarding her involvement in the event:

“I want to thank Gov. Holcomb personally for awarding Mayor John Dennis, who was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, with the Sagamore of the Wabash at a government meeting in Lafayette on Feb. 6th. I know firsthand the devastating effects that Alzheimer's disease can have on an individual and their families. It's an unfortunate truth that, as Hoosiers are now living longer, we'll begin to see more cases of this disease as our population ages. We need to be prepared for that any way possible, including funding for public health to study therapies and possible methods to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of this disease.

“For the caregivers and loved ones of those with Alzheimer's disease, we also need to ensure they have the tools they need to take care of themselves as they help their loved ones navigate a very serious, often frightening disease. It's my hope that as we continue to bring attention to Alzheimer's and its effect on people and families, we'll find a cure for the fifth leading cause of death for elderly Americans. A future without Alzheimer's disease is a possibility, and it was an honor for me to be able to speak with those in our community working to combat this disease.”