Senate panel looks to fund Alzheimer's research and resources

WASHINGTON – Public health leaders and caregivers coalesced Tuesday behind an effort to focus attention and funding on Alzheimer’s disease.

There was no dissent among the witnesses or the members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging about the need for more resources such as those called for in legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada.

Their bill would authorize $37 million annually to establish resource centers across the country, to enhance public-private partnerships, and to improve data collection on the incurable brain disease.

The Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act – or BOLD Act – is an important step toward finding a cure, said U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, the committee’s ranking Democrat. He said the centers will particularly help rural Americans who need better access to resources.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and intervention can be cost-effective and can help patients and their caregivers live better lives, testified Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne.

Better investment will afford Alzheimer’s patients “the opportunity to age in place in the setting of their choice with their friends and family with the dignity and respect that they deserve,” she said.

She also asked Congress to fund training and resources for first responders who can assist disoriented Alzheimer’s patients like the one another witness described.

Cheryll Woods-Flowers of Mount Pleasant, S.C., whose father died of Alzheimer’s in February, said his diagnosis came at age 70, shortly after he disappeared from home. Seven hours later he was found hungry, lost and crying.

He lived 16 more years with the disease, said his daughter, who is grateful for the early diagnosis that gave her and her five siblings time to talk through decisions, understand his wishes and get him on medication that reduced the severity of his symptoms.

Actress Marcia Gay Harden, whose mother, Beverly, has Alzheimer’s disease, said coping would have been easier if the BOLD Act already were in place.

“I wish we’d had BOLD,” because it would have provided specific resources directing them where to turn for resources about everything from finances to dietary needs of patients.

“Alzheimer’s becomes a stealthy thief, robbing families of their finances and security and forcing its victims to live only in the moment,” she said because it causes memories to evaporate.

Witnesses said they want Congress to pass the BOLD Act along with additional investments in Alzheimer’s research and education.

The current year’s appropriation is $1.8 billion – an increase of $414 million over last year, according to Aging Committee staff. Mr. Casey would like to see that funding reach $2 billion.

“Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are among the greatest public health challenges facing older Americans,” Mr. Casey said. “As our population ages, the number of people living with the disease and their caregivers will only grow.”

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Senate panel looks to fund Alzheimer's research and resources