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President Reagan launched a national campaign against Alzheimer’s
in 1983, at a time when it was assumed there were less than
2 million Americans with the disease. With foresight, he
focused on the heavy “emotional, financial and social
consequences of Alzheimer’s disease” and on
research as the “hope for families and victims.”
More than 20 years later, the number of individuals with
Alzheimer’s has more than doubled, and Americans watched
as President Reagan bravely fought and ultimately lost his
personal battle with the disease. Despite tremendous progress
in research, prevention and care, Alzheimer’s remains
a grave threat to our future.
However, there is hope on the horizon. We can achieve the
Alzheimer’s Association’s vision of a world
without Alzheimer’s. We can save another generation
of Americans from the heartache the disease inflicts on
families. We can save millions in Medicare and Medicaid
costs if we act today. Now is not the time to forgo our
nation’s commitment to Alzheimer research and care
programs – now is the time to act.
Congress must continue the investment in Alzheimer research
to discover new paths to prevention, achieve earlier diagnosis,
develop better ways of measuring response to experimental
drugs and improve treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s.
Medicare improvements should be enacted, including adding
a targeted chronic-care management benefit, removing barriers
to essential care for people with dementia, providing immediate
access to Medicare for people under age 65 eligible for
Social Security Disability Insurance and increasing palliative
care options for those with dementia who opt for comfort
care over aggressive treatment.
In addition, it is critical that Congress restore funding
for critical programs – including Safe Return, the
24/7 Alzheimer’s Call Center, the CDC Brain Health
Initiative and the Alzheimer’s Disease State Matching
Grants – that support the dedicated family members
who care for loved ones with the disease.
To back away from the commitment to research and to eliminate
programs that support caregivers leaves the courageous men
and women battling Alzheimer’s and their families
with little hope. It leaves American businesses, Medicare,
Medicaid and our health care system defenseless against
skyrocketing costs – and it leaves each of us vulnerable
to the wide-ranging effects of this devastating disease.
Next: RESEARCH
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To back away from the commitment to research and to eliminate programs that support caregivers leaves the courageous men and women battling Alzheimer’s and their families with little hope.
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