Fighting for Change: How One Advocate Honors Her Mother’s Alzheimer’s Journey

Every month, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) highlights one of their dedicated Alzheimer’s advocacy leaders—individuals who turn personal loss into action, fighting for policies that support families affected by dementia-related illnesses.

This month, AIM is featuring Barbara Marquez, a Sacramento-based Alzheimer’s advocate, who has been working tirelessly to support Alzheimer’s caregivers and families, long after her own mother’s passing in 1990.

Despite her grief, Barbara remains committed to helping family caregivers navigate the emotional and financial burdens of the disease—something she wishes had been easier for her own family.

On March 5, 2025, Barbara joined other Alzheimer’s advocacy groups at the Capitol in Sacramento to share personal stories and push for critical healthcare policy reforms that could make a real difference.

A Daughter’s Journey: From Loss to Alzheimer’s Advocacy

When Barbara’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there were very few caregiver resources available for families. Dementia support groups were scarce, in-home care services were expensive, and long-term care planning was largely uncharted territory for most caregivers.

Barbara remembers the exhaustion, confusion, and financial strain her family faced, a common struggle for families caring for loved ones with neurodegenerative conditions. “I had no idea what was ahead of us. We just had to take it one day at a time,” she recalls.

When her mother passed away in 1990, Barbara knew she didn’t want other families to go through the same experience alone. She made it her mission to advocate for Alzheimer’s policy reform, focusing on financial assistance for caregivers, expanded home care options, and improved access to memory care facilities.

Today, she’s a leading voice in the Alzheimer’s advocacy movement, urging lawmakers to take action so that future generations don’t have to face Alzheimer’s caregiving challenges unprepared.

The Cost of Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Why Policy Change Matters

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia isn’t just emotionally draining—it’s financially overwhelming.

Many families spend tens of thousands of dollars each year on Alzheimer’s medical treatments, specialized dementia care, home modifications, and professional caregivers. Some even leave the workforce to provide full-time care, sacrificing their own financial stability.

This is why Barbara and her fellow advocates are pushing for the Credit for Caring Act—a proposed bill that would provide a non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 to eligible family caregivers.

How Would the Credit for Caring Act Help Families?

✔ Eases Financial Burden: Families could offset some Alzheimer’s caregiving expenses, making care more affordable.
✔ Encourages Workplace Flexibility: The credit acknowledges the reality of working caregivers, helping them stay in the workforce while caring for loved ones.
✔ Supports Long-Term Care Solutions: More financial assistance means fewer caregivers will be forced to exhaust their savings on dementia care or go into debt.

Barbara believes that passing this bill would be a game-changer for thousands of families—including many who don’t realize they’ll need it until it’s too late.

The Power of Alzheimer’s Advocacy: How You Can Help

Barbara’s story is a reminder that one voice can make a difference, but many voices can create real legislative change.

By sharing personal experiences with lawmakers, advocates help them understand the human impact of Alzheimer’s disease and why comprehensive dementia care policies are essential.

If you’re passionate about supporting Alzheimer’s caregivers and patients, you can get involved too.

Ways to Support Alzheimer’s Advocacy Efforts

✔ Support the California Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day on March 5, 2025, at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Share your story and help push for policies like the Credit for Caring Act.
✔ Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) to stay informed and participate in dementia policy advocacy efforts. Visit alzimpact.org/volunteer to learn more.
✔ Contact Your Representatives and ask them to support Alzheimer’s legislative initiatives. A simple email or phone call can make a big impact.
✔ Share Your Story—whether on social media, in a caregiver support group, or with local news outlets. The more people understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s caregiving, the stronger the movement becomes.

Every Referral Makes an Impact

At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors, LLC, we are dedicated to supporting Alzheimer’s research, caregiver support programs, and dementia awareness initiatives.

We are on a mission to raise money for The Alzheimer’s Association, funding critical research and caregiver support programs.

If you know someone buying or selling a home, your referral can help us support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Call/Text 929-203-9101 to refer someone today!

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related illnesses. 💜

Learn more about Barbara’s Alzheimer’s advocacy work and how you can help at www.alzimpact.org.