Sen. Kane Honored for Alzheimer's Advocacy

In a March 22 ceremony at the Aqua Turf in Southington, State Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown,  was presented with an award for his advocacy on behalf of Alzheimer's Disease programs. 

In Hartford, Kane, whose 32nd District covers Oxford and several other towns, successfully fought to reopen the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program after it was closed to new applications because of the state’s ongoing fiscal problems.

According to the state chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 125,000 people in Connecticut are voluntarily caring for their friends and relatives who have the disease.

“Anyone who has ever witnessed a loved one’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease knows the toll this devastating illness takes, not just on its victims but also on family, friends and caretakers,” Kane said. “Clearly, the friends and families of Alzheimer’s patients who choose not to place their loved ones in nursing homes have earned our admiration and gratitude. Their unpaid labor is valued at more than $1.6 million and the generosity of these caregivers saves taxpayers a great deal of money due to the tremendous expense of providing nursing home care.”

In Connecticut, 70,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s and experts believe that this number will grow to 76,000 by 2025. While the symptoms can sometimes be treated, so far there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is progressive over time, causing memory loss, problems with thinking, and deteriorating behavior.  Ultimately, it is fatal.

Kane urged the public to visit www.Alz.org/ct for more information and to learn how to help find a cure for this disease.

Senator Rob Kane (www.senatorkane.com) represents the 32nd Senatorial District, which includes the communities of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Roxbury, Watertown and Woodbury.