"I want to express my gratitude to the Senate Special Committee on Aging and to Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Ranking Member McCaskill (D-Mo.) for holding this hearing, 'Finding a Cure: Assessing Progress Toward the Goal of Ending Alzheimer's by 2025,' and shining a spotlight on the devastating impact of this brain disorder on American families.
"AFA is also grateful for the progress made in funding clinical research with a historic increase of $350 million in Alzheimer's disease research funding for the National Institutes of Health contained in last year's budget.
"Yet, we need to build further upon this success. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease sets a goal of finding a cure or disease-modifying treatment by 2025. Leading research scientists have said that at least $2 billion a year in research funding is needed if we are to achieve the 2025 mandate. For this reason, AFA is calling for an additional $1 billion dollars in spending on Alzheimer's disease research at NIH in the FY'17 budget to ensure sufficient resources are appropriated if we are going to achieve the lofty, but achievable goal."
In addition, AFA is requesting a $40 million increase for caregiver supports and services provided by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL programs fund Alzheimer's disease demonstration grants, case management, respite care and caregiver training and support under the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative. Such services are crucial in helping caregivers cope with daily challenges of the disease and helps individuals living with Alzheimer's disease have better health outcomes and can delay the need for costly nursing home placement -- two things that save precious government resources. AFA also requested $5 million go to the Department of Justice in FY'17 to fund the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program.
"As the face of care for individuals and their families who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, AFA looks forward to working with the Special Committee on Aging and our friends in the Senate in making the fight eradicating this devastating disease a national priority."
About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA):
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and "AFA Partners in Care" dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook.
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Alzheimer's Foundation of America Addresses Senate Aging Committee
Alzheimer's has turned into a highly profitable industry. What hope is there really to cure it when it's making so many people rich?
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