Alzheimer’s Impact Movement working with lawmakers to advocate for Alzheimer’s policy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Alzheimer's Impact Movement works with lawmakers to advance and develop policies to help with the research, care and support of people with Alzheimer's.

The organization says it works across the country to advocate for legislation for people living with dementia and their caretakers.

"We've been blessed to build the right types of relationships with legislators over the years to champion dramatic increases in funding on a federal level to the NIH to study and hopefully one day end Alzheimer's disease," Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's Manager Joe Pallikkathayil said.

Pallikkathayil explained how the Alzheimer's Impact Movement works to encourage lawmakers to take action on a state and federal level.

"To create real change, the change that's going to be necessary to end this disease, we had to attack this disease on all of the fronts where there are barriers," Pallikkathayil said.

AIM says it supports lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who fight for change and support the cause. On Feb. 1, 2023, a group of volunteers supporting the Alzheimer's Association held Memory Day at the Missou Capitol to speak with lawmakers from across the state on the importance of funding.

"Some of our major efforts include working to increase respite funding that is so badly needed to help keep people living at home," Pallikkathayil said. "It's something that if we had as much excitement and enthusiasm as when it comes to walk day ... I have no doubts that we could move mountains together."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease affects more than 6 million Americans and over 120,000 people in Missouri. About 11 million people are caregivers across the country.

Join ABC 17 News at the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's on Oct. 15 at Memorial Park. Last year, the Jefferson City Walk broke its record and raised nearly $134,000. This year, the walk has a goal of $140,000.