Nearly two-thirds of the 7 million adults in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. As the disease affects a significant number of patients and their families nationwide, critical policy gaps continue to hinder access to appropriate diagnosis and care.
Geri (left) and Jim
In this virtual discussion, the Society for Women’s Health Research President & CEO Katie Schubert spoke with Jim Taylor, President of Voices for Alzheimer’s, who brings a unique perspective as both a caregiver and an advocate. Jim’s journey began in 2012 when his wife, Geri—a health care professional—was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. This life-changing event ignited Geri and Jim’s commitment to Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, revealing the urgent need for champions who can drive policy solutions for better access to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Geri’s memory continues to live through Jim’s dedicated work in Alzheimer’s disease advocacy.
The conversation explores the policy and advocacy landscape for Alzheimer’s disease, including the need for greater inclusion of Alzheimer’s disease patients in clinical trials and the implications of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) coverage guidelines on patient access to treatments.
Jim highlights how the progress made in HIV and AIDS activism laid the groundwork for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, and emphasizes that, “finding a cure someday is what we strive for, but in the meantime, we’re trying to make as many small and large steps along the way.” With a growing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease as a treatable disease, there’s renewed hope for those affected by this condition.
To learn more about the ongoing efforts to advocate for Alzheimer’s disease patients, caregivers, and their communities, check out Voices of Alzheimer’s and the SWHR Alzheimer’s Disease Focus Area page.