Former Kentucky first lady Phyllis George said her personal experiences with Alzheimer's have led her to become a passionate advocate for people afflicted with the disease.

"They are unable to speak for themselves," she said. "It is important for caregivers to speak out and we must tell our elected officials to provide vital Alzheimer's care programs."

George, who lives in Lexington and New York City, was married to Gov. John Y. Brown Jr. and was crowned Miss America in 1971. She said her mother, Louise, was diagnosed with the disease and was unable to recognize her own children from one day to the next.

"It was like a light bulb flickering on and off," George said. "I grabbed every moment I could with her."

The causes of Alzheimer's are unknown but it affects the brain, causing nerve cells to degenerate and die. Five million Americans are living with the disease, and George said that number could rise to 60 million in 2030 as the "baby boomer" generation enters the age of greatest risk.

"We need to make sure the state is equipped to face the tsunami of Kentuckians who will be facing Alzheimer's," she said.

At a rally in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday she presented a set of recommendations to House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Deputy Secretary Steve Nunn. The report was conducted in response to a joint resolution approved by the Senate in 2007.

The report includes a series of recommendations for plans to create a state agency to conduct research on dementia and Alzheimer's. Other elements would include increased funding for Alzheimer's services in the state budget and tax incentives for caregivers who provide in-home care for dependent relatives.

Despite the dire financial situation described in Gov. Steve Beshear's budget presentation Tuesday night, Richards said he would do everything he could to support the recommendations.

"Alzheimer's has touched all of our lives, including my own," he said.

According to Alzheimer's Association, some 74,000 Kentuckians have been diagnosed with the disease. George said the disease is no longer limited to the elderly and the number of people diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's is growing.

Sarah Jennison was one of several young caregivers who spoke at the rally about her experiences dealing with Alzheimer's. She said her mother was diagnosed at the age of 49 and was soon unable to speak in complete sentences or follow simple instructions.

Jennison said lawmakers should make it a priority to secure increased funding for Alzheimer's research.

George said she is writing a book and could create a documentary film about the sacrifices caregivers are required to make for dependent family members affected by Alzheimer's.