Across our nation, there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 15 million are providing care.

Alarmingly, six in 10 people with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander. Because of the effects of the disease, a person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address, and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. Wandering among people with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies to help prevent it and services to help reunite loved ones.

The Alzheimer’s Association has endorsed a bill passed by the U.S. Senate, “Kevin and Avonte’s Law (S. 2614/H.R. 4919),” which would renew the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program to help reduce injury and death of Americans with Alzheimer’s and developmental disabilities, such as autism.

The Program is a proven success, helping law enforcement quickly identify and reunite persons with Alzheimer’s with their families and caregivers. Its renewal will provide important peace of mind to families and further reduce injuries and deaths among persons living with Alzheimer’s.

That is why I encourage concerned citizens to urge Rep. Suzan DelBene to work to pass Kevin and Avonte’s Law in the House of Representatives in the remaining weeks of its session.

Pete Minden, Kirkland