Rep. Poliquin Signs On To Legislation to Support Those Suffering from Alzheimer’s

Congressman Bruce Poliquin, announced his support for the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act with a stop at Dysart’s Restaurant to purchase a ‘PurpleBerry Pie with a Purpose.’

So far, Dysart’s has raised awareness and more than $10,000 from the sales of the almond-topped Maine blueberry pie, a limited edition menu option at the iconic Eastern Maine truck stop aimed to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter.

Maine is the oldest state in the Nation and Congressman Poliquin, the son of a nurse, said he committed to being a cosponsor of the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act on behalf of the thousands of families in his District impacted by this devastating disease. The bipartisan bill will allow Medicare to cover critical comprehensive care planning support for those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so they can access treatments and services that may help or maintain quality-of-life for the individual, their family and caregivers.

The Senate’s version of the HOPE Act is being championed by Maine Senator Susan Collins.

This is an absolutely devastating disease, for the victims and for everyone who loves them,” said Congressman Poliquin. “I fully support and applaud Mary Dysart-Hartt and her family’s commitment to helping those who suffer from this illness.  They’re work is unparalleled in both raising awareness of the disease and finding ways to treat and help those who suffer.”

Dysart-Hartt had this to say:

Alzheimer’s is personal to me,” said Dysart-Hartt. “My mom has Alzheimer’s Disease and more recently, my husband was diagnosed as well. To say that battling Alzheimer’s Disease is ‘difficult’ is a gross understatement. But there is hope. There is always hope.”

Laurie Trenholm, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter said:

There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s right now, and that number is expected to jump to 16 million by 2050. Fundraisers like the PurpleBerry Pie from Dysart’s as well as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are vitally important to help decrease those projections.”

“We are so very excited and grateful to have Congressman Bruce Poliquin co-sponsor the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act,” said Adam W. Lacher, Director of Communications & Advocacy. “His support will help millions of families address Alzheimer's disease through timely diagnosis and detailed care planning.”

Alzheimer’s is the only top 10 cause of death for which there is no way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. Congressman Poliquin has long been an advocate for Alzheimer's care, support and research. In addition to his cosponsoring of the HOPE Act and the 21^st Century Cures Act, which provides critical funding for Alzheimer’s research, Congressman Poliquin participated in the Eastern Maine Walk to End Alzheimer’s last fall. This year’s walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 on the Bangor Waterfront. Officials from the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter pointed out that people who would like to participate in the walk have 3 months left to register and start fundraising to help meet the goal of $148,000 for the 2016 Walk.  For more information, visit www.alz.org/maine/.