Pitts Visits Alzheimer’s Care Facility on Reagan’s Birthday

This morning, Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) visited Magnolias of Lancaster, an elder care facility dedicated to treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Today also would have been the 101st birthday of President Ronald Reagan, who suffered with Alzheimer’s during his later years.

Rep. Pitts participated in an art therapy program that teaches patients to paint. “For many years I’ve painted and sculpted as a hobby,” said Rep. Pitts. “It can be more than a hobby though as it helps keep the mind sharp and combat the anxiety brought on by Alzheimer’s.”

After touring the facility and participating in the art therapy, Rep. Pitts addressed staff and family members. In particular, he discussed the recently released draft framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Currently, we have 21 government agencies, administrations, and departments that play a role in researching and treating Alzheimer’s,” said Rep. Pitts. “There are a countless number of research universities and companies working on therapies and cures. Preventing duplication of effort, sharing resources, and disseminating information will be critical to understanding more about this disease and how to fight it.”

The Nation Alzheimer’s Project Act unanimously passed the Senate and House and was signed by the President last January. The law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to write the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Rep. Pitts is eagerly looking forward to the recommendations in the National Plan.

“Nancy Reagan poignantly remarked about her husband’s struggle that ‘His soul doesn’t have Alzheimer’s,’” said Rep. Pitts. “On the President’s birthday, I saw firsthand how creating art can sustain the soul of individuals battling this disease.”