I recently visited Sen. Susan Collins’ office to thank her for supporting additional funds for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. We also discussed the personal financial impact on Mainers who love and care for those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating our communities, our state, and our nation both financially and emotionally, across all demographics. I would like to publicly thank Collins for making Alzheimer’s such a large priority; for making us, the 15 million Americans who provide unpaid care to those they love such a large priority. Without individuals such as Collins, the fight against Alzheimer’s would be even more daunting.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. This is a perfect time to publicly share our stories of Alzheimer’s and come together against this disease. Let’s join Collins in the fight. Together we can bring an end to this devastating disease.

Laura Rivers

Augusta