Following the exciting events in Cleveland, our attention has now turned to the democrats in Philadelphia. As we did in Cleveland, AIM is on the ground to bring the issue of Alzheimer's to the Philly delegation.

This week's efforts extend the outreach our advocates conducted in the primary race. Throughout the democratic primary, our advocates were meeting with the candidates asking them for their plan to address the Alzheimer's crisis. Governor Martin O'Malley and Senator Bernie Sanders spoke on the campaign trail about the need to need to invest in medical research and find a cure for Alzheimer's. Former Senator Jim Webb said a cure for Alzheimer's disease is one of his top two priorities.

Secretary Clinton spoke to our advocates and in December 2015 released her Alzheimer's plan stating, "If we're the kind of nation that cares for its citizens and supports families, respects our elders, and takes care of our neighbors, then we've got work to do. And we need to do better when it comes to diseases like Alzheimer's."

As we stated in the USA Today report that broke the news of her Alzheimer's plan and in related news stories, the plain fact is that Secretary Clinton made history with her announcement. Never before has a presidential candidate made Alzheimer's a central policy issue backed by a bold, substantive plan.

Secretary Clinton's remarks and plan are in step with Alzheimer's champions in Congress, including her newly announced running mate Senator Tim Kaine. Senator Kaine has also been a leader for our issues throughout his career. Another champion for Alzheimer's, Senator Barbara Mikulski who was awarded the Alzheimer's Association Lifetime Achievement Award, will be speaking to the delegates on Thursday evening.

On Tuesday, AIM will be presenting Delaware Governor Jack Markell with the AIM Trailblazer Award for his leadership in support of the development and implementation of the Delaware State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.

Check the Democratic Convention page throughout the week for the latest news from Philadelphia.

Robert Egge is the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Impact Movement.