Gantz describes his wife’s Alzheimer’s struggle as lawmakers debate national dementia care

Knesset member Benny Gantz on Monday gave a personal account to the Health Committee about how Alzheimer’s has affected his family since his wife, Revital, was diagnosed. He compared dementia to trauma, saying it is like a “transparent injury,” and added that with dementia “you see a normal person slowly withdraw.” He said even simple social plans change, describing how he now orders only finger food in restaurants because he knows a fork will never be used.

Gantz also held up a journal his wife had written early in the disease. He said it was not published, and noted that Revital is an occupational therapist and educational counselor who was midway through doctoral research on parental empowerment, so “she knew what she was writing and how she was feeling.” He said he was also thinking about people who do not have his resources, warning that the number of patients is rising and that the issue must be treated nationally.

The committee discussed implementation of Israel’s 2013 national Alzheimer’s and dementia plan and whether it should be updated. ZAKA representative Zeavi Druk said his unit handles dozens of cases, including a demented woman who was found dead in a field near Afula after earlier going missing from Petah Tikva. He suggested technological monitoring, such as a bracelet, to help authorities track vulnerable patients. The committee also heard that newer drugs can slow cognitive decline, but they are not yet in the health basket and cost thousands of shekels a month.

Dr. Nati Blum, head of the Emeda association, said the drugs are a breakthrough for a small group of patients, but early diagnosis improves quality of life for patients and families. She said Israel has 110,000 diagnosed patients and at least 50,000 more who are not yet identified, and warned that the national plan lacks a work plan and budget. Committee chair MK Yoni Morshiki said he was very concerned that the ministry’s answer described a survey every five years, not a live national registry. Other speakers cited long waits for geriatric diagnosis, shortages of specialists, and exhausted families.