Wyoming resident joins national Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory Group
The Alzheimer’s Association has selected Gillette resident Linda Brewster to serve on its 2023-2024 Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group (ESAG). Brewster is one of eight individuals from across the U.S. 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.
Nearly 7 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 10,000 Wyomingites. 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 are vital to Alzheimer’s Association advocacy efforts,” said Debra Antista-Bianchi, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Wyoming. “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 impacted.”
Brewster, 58, was chosen from more than 35 applicants across the country. A former psychologist for the California school system, she retired to Wyoming with her husband in 2021 to “enjoy the wide-open spaces.” Later, she was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with probable vascular dementia.
Brewster’s experience with the disease predates her own diagnosis. She saw her mother struggle with dementia, and served as a caregiver for her stepfather who died from Alzheimer’s.
As a member of the 2023-2024 National Early-Stage Advisory Group, Brewster wants to call attention to the importance of improving access to diagnostic and support services for people living in rural areas.
“Individuals living in rural communities are in desperate need of these same services, and more needs to be done to make them available and accessible,” she said.
Formed in 2006, the national ESAG group and its advisors provide input to the Association about programs and materials designed to meet the growing needs of early-stage individuals. Since its formation, the group helped 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.
During the past year, ESAG members were instrumental in advocating for Medicare coverage for new FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s. Brewster and her husband participated in the Association’s June rally in Cheyenne to encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to cover the cost of those new medications.
All programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association are provided at no charge to families. To learn more, go to
alz.org or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads 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.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.