In order to combat Alzheimer’s, Governor Rick Scott has just enlisted the help of Representative Scott Plakon who just tragically lost his wife last Monday to the neurodegenerative disease. It was days after their 33rd wedding anniversary. Governor Scott has appointed Plakon to the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee, which is a 10-member committee that advises the Florida Department of Elder Affairs concerning legislative, pragmatic and administrative concerns that relate to people with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers.
In a statement, Governor Scott commented that “Following the tragic loss of his wife, Susie, to Alzheimer’s, I know that Rep. Plakon will be a strong advocate and committed partner in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in Florida. My wife Ann and I send our thoughts and prayers to Scott and his family during this difficult time, but we also know that this is a disease we must fight and that Scott will help lead Florida in this effort.”
Plakon’s term on the committee becomes effective immediately and will conclude on February 13th, 2022. It is also mandatory that the committee be comprised of at least four members that have been caretakers of someone with the neurodegenerative disease.
Since his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Plakon has been involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, and he also ensured funding for a center that treats victims of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Orange County, Florida.