I define epidemic as something that affects many individuals at the same time, or is prevalent and widespread. In my life, I have seen an epidemic or two or three. Case in point would be the Vietnam War. Now, that was an epidemic.

How much money was spent?

Iraq is a huge epidemic that has cost about $200 billion and is not over.

As an American, my major concern is another epidemic: Alzheimer’s disease. It is killing millions in the United States and will bankrupt the Medicare and Medicaid system.

What is confusing to me is why hasn’t Congress allocated more for research on Alzheimer’s? What are the Congress’ priorities – Americans, or the rest of the world?

There is no question in my soul that anyone who reads this can relate to someone who has Alzheimer’s.

John M. Mauro, Auburn

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