SB454

My name is Kerry Dennis, and I live in Auburn, New Hampshire. I am writing today in strong support of SB 454, a bill that strengthens our state’s public health outreach on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. For me, this issue is not theoretical, it’s personal and emotional. It’s something I see affecting more families every year. When someone you love begins to show subtle changes like forgetting things that used to come easily, struggling with tasks that were once second nature, or withdrawing in ways you can’t quite explain, you often feel fear, confusion, and helplessness. Its hard to know what’s normal aging and what isn’t and you certainly don’t know where to turn for answers. I’ve lived through that uncertainty. I’ve watched others live it too. And I’ve seen how much heartache could be eased if people simply had clearer, earlier information. That is what SB 454 can provide. This bill doesn’t create a new program or add unnecessary complexity. It strengthens the public health outreach systems we already have by ensuring they include accessible, easy to understand information about: -early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, -when to talk with a healthcare professional, -risk factors and brain health, and -resources available to families who suddenly find themselves navigating something they never expected. These are small changes with enormous impact. As someone living with early stage early onset Alzheimer's, I have lived through this uncertainty personally. And in my advocacy, I have met so many families who say, “If only we had known sooner.” Earlier understanding leads to earlier diagnosis, better planning, safer decision making, and more time for families to adjust with dignity and compassion. It also reduces crisis situations that strain caregivers, first responders, and the healthcare system. New Hampshire is aging. Our communities are aging. And our families deserve information that meets them where they are, not buried in medical language, not hidden behind stigma, but shared openly, clearly, and compassionately. SB 454 is a practical, humane step that will make a real difference for families like mine. I respectfully urge the Committee to vote Ought to Pass on SB 454. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your commitment to the well being of New Hampshire residents. Kerry Dennis Auburn, NH

Dear Honorable Members of the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, Please support SB 454 and include information about Alzheimer's and other dementias in public awareness and outreach programs. I married a wonderful man in 2019 and devastatingly, two years later, we learned he had Early-onset Alzheimer's--at the age of 60. He is otherwise incredibly healthy and fit and people don't expect someone who looks like him to have this disease. He lost driving and working within a month of his diagnosis (it took us over five months to get a diagnosis--which sadly, is much quicker than it has been for many others I know, and was only shortened thanks to connections in the medical field). This disease is truly a "long goodbye" and is more challenging and heartbreaking than anyone who hasn't lived it can ever understand. We need people to know how to detect it, what treatments are available (before it's too late, as it was in Jim's case), how to prevent it and how both patients and caregivers can find support. As our population ages and this disease impacts more people, it will take a huge toll on our healthcare system and our families. Please be pro-active and pass SB 454...it could make a huge difference in the lives of many people on this long, hard path. Thank you, Jennifer King North Hampton

It is important to communicate with people that they need to be concerned about their brain health and that there are resources out there for them to take advantage of.

As the number of NH citizens diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias continue to rise, it is imperative that our leadership recognizes the need to spread awareness and provide support to people living with dementia, their caregivers, primary care doctors and the general public, to best address this growing health crisis and plan for the future.

this bill expands privacy rights of people after experiencing a miscarriage. Why is this even necessary? Because there is an attempt to pry into medical records of women who have had a miscarriage to make sure it wasn’t a pregnancy termination! This bill helps families grieve in peace without prying eyes using personal information to figure out who lost a pregnancy.