It’s getting more difficult for Erin Gillingham to speak. "I can't remember my words, I have a hard time with long words,” said Gillingham. She blames her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which she received two years ago when she was 56. “It’ scary. I don’t know how many years I have to be cognitive,” said Gillingham. But she’s not letting her difficulties keep her from talking to state legislators about the importance of supporting Alzheimer’s research, treatment, prevention, and care. Gillingham was one of several dozen patients, or patient advocates, who visited with legislators Tuesday. The group supports SB 5337 which would require memory care certification for assisted living facilities. Staff would need to be trained on how to care for dementia patients. Read more: https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/state-politics/alzheimers-patients-advocates-expanded-testing-services/281-61cdd640-2e67-426a-a7aa-cf73a8ccd495