Stabenow seeks HOPE for Alzheimer’s patients, families

SOUTHFIELD – John D. MacInnes put a face to Tuesday’s discussion about Alzheimer’s.

The 87-year-old Bloomfield Hills man took his turn, standing and offering comments that earned applause from the audience that had gathered in Southfield to hear U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow discuss legislation she has introduced in Congress. That legislation, if approved, would offer education and options to families of Alzheimer’s patients..

MacInnis had some ideas of his own.

“Eight years ago I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,” said the articulate MacInnes, noting that he had just had an appointment with his neurologist. “She said that at your stage now, you should not be driving.

“I tell you, that’s a blow.”

MacInnes would later go on to offer further comments on what the needs are of those with the disease that robs its victims of their memories – things like a better transportation system than the metro area now has in place, and expanded use of caregivers to support families.

A stigma

The meeting had been marked by speaker after speaker, commenting on a medical community that they said frequently considers a diagnosis hopeless and doesn’t continue treatment.

There is a stigma to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, said Kristin E. Cahil, a social worker with U-M’s Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. And she saw MacInnes, who has served on the Alzheimer’s Association advisory team, as the antithesis to that stigma.

Cahil commented on what she said was MacInness’ dignity, eloquent speech and ability to “give back,” and she called for others to “still respect people” who have the disease.

That’s part of what Stabenow wants her legislation to do – offer hope to families and the Alzheimer’s patients who, she said, sometimes are never even told what their diagnosis is. One in every three people will suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia, she said.

Added to that is a lack of care available in the African-American community, said Paula Duren, a psychologist with an office in Farmington Hills who has devoted herself to helping fill that need.

Bringing HOPE

Stabenow, whom the Alzeimer’s Association praises for her advocacy, said that her proposed bipartisan legislation would bring HOPE (or Health Outcomes, Planning and Education for Alzheimer’s Act). The legislation would bring information and treatment options to those caring for patients, she said.

To those who worry about cost, Stabenow said that to not offer HOPE would cost more, but she worries about cuts in the next budget for both Medicare and Medicaid.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “The economy has turned around...We’re coming out of the hole.”

She suggested that loopholes allowing companies that “pretend to leave” the U.S. and not pay taxes should be closed.

Stabenow and officials with the Alzheimer’s Association encouraged those present and the general public to “not take no for an answer” when advocating for patients.

“It’s about priorities and values,” she said.

Full Article & Source:
Stabenow seeks HOPE for Alzheimer’s patients, families