It’s time for a national strategic plan for Alzheimer’s that is urgent, achievable and accountable. Some 5.4 million Americans, 37,000 in Maine, live with the disease. By 2050, 16 million Americans will be.

Today, 147,000 Mainers are among 15 million in the U.S. who provide unpaid care for a family member suffering from a disease that steals memories, independence, autonomy and more.

As a son who had to watch his father suffer and die with Alzheimer’s, who is now also watching his mother face the daily struggles of this horrible disease, I understand the tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll the disease process takes on loving and compassionate family caregivers.

I am hopeful about the state Alzheimer’s plan being developed by Maine’s Office of Elders Services of DHHS, the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, family caregivers and many other stakeholders. However, it will take planning and coordination of federal, state and community level initiatives to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. All hands are needed.

Federally, we’re at a critical juncture in time when the creation of a national plan to address the crisis is within grasp, but we need our leaders to fulfill their commitment — for those living with the disease today and those who soon will be.

Robert Armstrong, Auburn