Experience

A Letter From Our 2025 AIM Advocacy Forum Co-Chairs

Dear Advocates:

The fight to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia is very personal for us.

I’m Leah Farley from New Hampshire. At the age of 56, I was a clinical social worker and the owner and director of a counseling group that served children and their families. After three different neurologists and 3.5 years of navigating the health care system, I was given a working diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Once I allowed myself time to feel my emotions and acknowledge my losses, I found I was presented with different and equally valuable opportunities to go forward with my life. Since my involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association, I’ve strengthened my voice through advocacy. As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory Group and the National Board of Directors, I've been given opportunities to raise my voice about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. I'm grateful that I’ve found purpose and meaning for the next part of my journey.

I’m Hector Montesino, and I know the impact of dementia on a family. My abuela, Ana Maria Espinal, is the driving force behind my passion for the cause. In addition to my background as a health care professional with a focus on older adults and now as an owner of a Massachusetts-based home health care company, I became involved with my local Alzheimer’s Association, wanting to make a difference. I have advocated for over a decade for policies to help those impacted by this disease. I'm also proud to serve on the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Board of Directors. I'm an active member of the AIM Leadership Society, which amplifies the power of our nationwide network of advocates.

It is truly a pivotal time for our cause. Last year, we celebrated the signing into law of three of our policy priorities: the NAPA Reauthorization Act, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, and the BOLD Reauthorization Act. These laws are fundamentally changing the way our nation addresses Alzheimer’s and other dementia. To put this into context, during the 118th Congress, 1,870 health-related bills were introduced. Of those bills, only 16 were signed into law. Three of those 16 bills were these AIM priorities. Thanks to hardworking advocates like you across the nation, AIM is leading the way in enacting laws like these.

Advances in dementia care, support and treatment are making a difference for people impacted by this devastating disease. But our work is not done. To build on this progress, we need to continue urging our elected officials to uphold our nation’s strong commitment to combating Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The Advocacy Forum is an important part of our year-round policy efforts. This Forum, like others we’ve attended, promises to motivate and inspire as so many passionate individuals are brought together in the fight against this devastating disease.

We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C., as we work to advance policies that will move our mission forward and help us achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.