Health

New bill could mean help for families with early-onset Alzheimer’s

Families of people with Early-onset Alzheimer's disease are one step closer to getting the help they need.

New legislation means hope for people like Michael Riley.

Action News Jax introduced you to the former firefighter last year. He served Orlando for 20 years before joining the St. Augustine Fire Department.

After eight years on the job, his wife Lani noticed he wasn’t himself.

“One day he was driving the fire truck and the next day, the doctor was telling us that he shouldn’t even be driving a car,” she said. “It was clear that the disease was here, it wasn’t going to stop and it wasn’t going to slow down.”

Michael lost his job. He now needs help doing everything from the minute he wakes up to when he goes to bed.

It's tough work with little help. That's why his wife Lani started pushing for more support for families of those with Early-onset Alzheimer's.

Experts say up to 5.5 million Americans have dementia because of Alzheimer’s disease. It typically sets in at 65 years old or older.

They believe at least 200,000 Americans have Early-onset Alzheimer’s. It can affect people in their 40s.

For Michael Riley, the memory loss and other symptoms set in at 55 years old.

Right now, the Older Americans Act gives only Alzheimer's patients over 60 access to services.

The Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Act aimed to change that.

The Alzheimer's Association says key elements made it into the draft of the new Older Americans Act bill.

If passed, people younger than 60 would have access to the same food programs, support and care.

So caretakers like Lani and her family don't have to do it all on their own.

"It definitely would have meant less stress on every level," Lani Riley said. "Financial, mental, emotional and physical stress of suddenly trying to manage every facet of my husband's life and care for him all at the same time -- and by myself."

Legislators are expected to consider the new measures in the coming weeks.