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Bradenton resident joins the National Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory Group

August 5, 2021 – The Alzheimer’s Association has selected Bradenton resident Deborah (“Deb”) Jobe to serve on its 2021-2022 Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG). Jobe is one of 10 individuals chosen to serve on the group, which helps raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia by sharing their personal insights and experiences of living with dementia with media and other audiences across the country.

More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 580,000 in Florida. ESAG members play an important role in giving voice to those living with the disease and advocate for core Alzheimer’s Association efforts, including increasing concern and awareness of the disease, enhancing care and support programs for individuals and families, advancing public policy initiatives and championing support for disease research.

“Early-stage advisors play a vital role in Alzheimer’s Association advocacy efforts,” said Michelle Branham, Alzheimer’s Association Florida region vice president of public policy. “They bring a unique perspective that not only informs our work, but also inspires others living with the disease to engage in efforts that can make a difference for all those affected.”

Chosen from more than 50 applicants across the country, Jobe was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy and mild cognitive impairment in 2019 at the age of 53. At the time, she had been experiencing memory issues for a couple of years, but the diagnosis, she said, still hit her hard.

“It was utter devastation,” she recalled. “It was as if your world was suddenly turned upside down and you are floundering, attempting to grasp and process what it means for the future and what to do next.”

Following her diagnosis, Jobe’s medical team acted immediately, providing her with care and support resources, including referring her to the Alzheimer’s Association, where she found support among others going through similar circumstances.

Now, Jobe uses her voice to advocate for others. Recently, she was also appointed as a patient voice to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Geriatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network 2.0 – Advancing Dementia Care (GEAR 2.0 ADC) to improve the experience and care in emergency departments for people with dementia.

“The Alzheimer’s Association was my saving grace,” Jobe said. “Getting involved and sharing my story in an effort to help others has given me a newfound purpose, and it’s improved my quality of life.”

Formed in 2006, the national ESAG group and its advisors have helped to secure the addition of younger-onset Alzheimer’s to the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease access to certain social security benefits. They also participated in grassroots advocacy efforts supporting the establishment of the first national plan to address the Alzheimer’s epidemic. ESAG members also advocate for increased research funding and provide input to the Association about programs and materials designed to meet the growing needs of early-stage individuals.

As a member of the 2021-2022 National Early Stage Advisory Group, Jobe said she hopes to help change the public’s perception of what living with dementia is like and educate people on the benefits of early detection and diagnosis.

“Prior to my diagnosis, I thought Alzheimer’s and other dementia only impacted old people,” she said. “Now, I realize there are many different faces and stages of the disease. But the one thing we all have in common is that we are human and deserve to be treated with respect. I intend to use my voice for as long as I can to help educate people about dementia and the challenges it brings.”

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia™. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. ​