The recent mid-term elections resulted in major changes in Washington. The political landscape has shifted, providing Alzheimer advocates with a unique opportunity to increase concern and awareness about Alzheimer's on Capitol Hill. New leadership has been elected in both the House and Senate, new chairmen will lead key committees who make decisions about funding for Alzheimer programs and more than 60 "freshman" members of Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2007. In addition, lawmakers of both parties are developing their policy agendas in preparation for the 2008 Presidential election and efforts to improve the health care system are expected to be a top priority.

Although March seems very far away, the 2007 Public Policy Forum is just around the corner. Make your plans now to join us in Washington to learn how the outcome of the elections will impact Alzheimer issues in Congress, meet your newly elected lawmakers and enhance your advocacy skills. The Public Policy Forum is also a great time to meet new friends, network with your fellow advocates and honor those who have been touched by Alzheimer's at the candlelight vigil.

Our goal for the 2007 Public Policy Forum is to have every state and every chapter represented, and to increase the number of persons with Alzheimer's disease who attend the Forum. Take advantage of the early-bird registration discount or recruit a group of advocates to attend to save even more money.

Register today at www.alz.org/forum and visit the Association's Web site at www.alz.org to learn more about our advocacy work. Even if you are a fulltime caregiver and can't make it to Washington, you can encourage and assist other family members and friends to become advocates and participate.

Let's join together as advocates in the nation's capitol and bring our message to Congress. Only those who have witnessed Alzheimer's firsthand can accurately describe the social and human costs of Alzheimer's on current and future generations.