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Back to index of statements Testimony of Dennis Kroucik Presented to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations March 23, 2004Good morning Senator DeWine and Senator Harkin. My name is Dennis Kroucik. I am honored to be here today representing the great state of Ohio and the Cleveland Area chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Two years ago, at age 56, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The three years prior to my diagnosis were frustrating and scary. I had always enjoyed gardening and was good at it. I suddenly found that it was taking me a whole day to complete a gardening chore that used to take only a few hours. I was also having trouble at work. At the time I was an electrician at a steel plant in Lorain. I would get lost walking around the plant. I'd miss routine items on my safety checklist and couldn't remember my children's names when coworkers asked how they were doing. There were times that I drove home from work at night by following traffic because I couldn't remember how to get from the plant to our house. I thought that my problems were caused by lack of sleep or job-related stress. There were rumors that the plant would be closing and we'd all lose our jobs. I am also diabetic and for awhile, my wife Barb and I thought that the fatigue and memory problems were due to low blood sugar. Barb kept encouraging me to see a doctor but I put it off. I figured that it was normal to have memory lapses at my age. The turning point came one day at work. I was going through a routine safety checklist and forgot to lock-out a 13,800-volt machine. I nearly electrocuted myself. Barb put me in the car the next day and took me to the doctor. A week later, after a battery of psychological tests and an MRI, a neurologist gave me the terrible news. I had Alzheimer's disease. The changes in my life were swift and immediate. I lost my job and had to give up my car keys. I felt humiliated and useless. I didn't want to get up in the morning. I felt like a little kid and wondered if Barb was going to have to take care of me like my mother once did. I was angry and depressed and scared that I would lose my independence. It was a terrible tragedy. My doctor put me on one of the newer Alzheimer drugs, as well as a B-12 complex, vitamin E and Ibuprofen. The Alzheimer drug made such a huge difference. I felt human again. Barb and I contacted the Cleveland Area chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The people at the chapter were so nice and understood what we were both going through. They helped us learn a lot about the disease and how it could be treated. I realized that I could have a life after Alzheimer's disease. Today I workout at the local YMCA twice a week. A friend drops me off and picks me up. Barb watches out for me as well. She quit her job as a furniture salesperson last year so that we could spend more time together. Sometimes I get very caught up in what I am doing and lose track of time. Barb reminds me to stop and take a break or have something to eat. I need to be especially careful about eating because of my diabetes. I am very active with the Cleveland Area chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Two weeks ago I spoke before more than 100 Ohio legislators at the Alzheimer's Ohio Council Memory Day in Columbus. I came to Washington to testify at this hearing for many reasons. The most important reasons are my wife, my six children and my five grandchildren. I hope and pray that I am the only person in my family who will experience what it is like to live with Alzheimer's disease. I am encouraged by the progress that has been achieved in the fight against this terrible disease. New research is coming out everyday. My doctors think that we will soon be able to slow the progression of the disease process and postpone onset in those at risk if the funding for research keeps pace with the scientific momentum. I am grateful for the federal dollars that have been spent on Alzheimer research so far and encourage this committee to continue to increase the funding for research. It won't be easy given the current budget situation. However, it is something we have to do. We cannot afford to wait. I am participating in an Alzheimer research study at the University Memory and Aging Center through the University Hospitals of Cleveland. What will happen if funding for the study is cut? How many other scientific opportunities will be lost if Congress decides that we cannot afford to increase funding for Alzheimer research this year? How many more lives will be lost to Alzheimer's disease? I want to thank you Senator DeWine for inviting me to speak today. It is an honor to be here and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
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