Letter: Thanks to Susan Collins for work on Alzheimer’s disease
Bangor Daily News
I want to share my deep appreciation for Sen. Susan Collins and her unwavering commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s disease. She recently introduced the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act, a bill that would require Medicare to cover new FDA-approved blood-based screening tests for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This legislation would open the door to earlier detection and earlier support for patients and families.
Too many Maine families know the heartbreak of watching a loved one slowly slip away without clear answers until the disease has already taken hold. Early detection matters. By expanding access to these new screening tools, the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act would give families a chance to understand what is happening sooner, plan for care, and access the resources they need during the earliest stages of the disease.
Collins has been a national leader on this issue for many years. As co-chair of the congressional task force on Alzheimer’s, she understands the toll this disease takes on families, caregivers, and communities. Her work on this legislation shows once again that she is willing to put in the effort, listen to experts, and find common ground to help those who are struggling.
At a time when politics in Washington often feels divided and unproductive, Collins continues to focus on meaningful solutions that improve lives. For Maine seniors and their families, her commitment could not be more important.
This is the kind of leadership we need, and I am grateful for her continued work on behalf of all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Kim Pettengill
Farmingdale
###