Alzheimer's and Elections

SENATOR GRASSLEY SPONSORS LANDMARK LEGISLATION
ADDRESSING ESCALATING ALZHEIMER CRISIS
Alzheimer’s Association Statement

Des Moines, IA May9th, 2010 – The Alzheimer’s Association’s® Greater Iowa Chapter commends Senator Grassley for cosponsoring the “Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act” S. 1492. For the more than 5 million people nationwide living with Alzheimer’s, and the 69,000 living right here in Iowa it is a tremendous step in the fight against the disease and offers great promise for someday having a world without Alzheimer’s.

With an aging baby boomer population soon to be at the epicenter of an escalating Alzheimer crisis, the disease is quickly becoming the country’s biggest, broadest and most expensive problem – to individuals, families, and the healthcare system. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias than for other people the same age without the disease. For the last several years, federal funding for Alzheimer research has declined in real terms. In fact, for every $25,000 the government spends on care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it spends only $100 for Alzheimer research. This is all while the loss of lives and costs to Medicare and Medicaid continue to soar.

This legislation authorizes a significant increase in funding for Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to $2 billion to restore momentum to the pursuit of better diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. “The Alzheimer’s Association commends Senator Grassley for his recognition of the growing threat of Alzheimer’s,” said Carol Sipfle, Executive Director Greater Iowa chapter “By supporting the Alzheimer Breakthrough Act, Senator Grassley has signaled his understanding of the grave threat Alzheimer’s poses to the residents of Iowa and the nation.”

In addition to the increase in research funding, this legislation provides much needed support for the nearly 11 million caregivers nationwide, including the 106,474 Alzheimer caregivers who live in Iowa Every day these individuals grapple with the emotional, physical and financial challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. The bill provides vital resources and tools to assist caregivers in their demanding role. It also calls for a national summit on Alzheimer's to look at promising research possibilities and programs that are important in fighting this disease and supporting those who are struggling with it.

Alzheimer’s disease poses tremendous human, social and economic burdens on the nation and
its effects will be a challenge to us all. The Alzheimer Breakthrough Act is a significant step forward in the fight against this disease. The Greater Iowa Chapter thanks Senator Grassley for his leadership in supporting this meaningful legislation that is so vital for Iowa and the nation.

The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Iowa Chapter covers 58 of Iowa’s 99counties and five counties in Illinois. The chapter directly serves more than 21,000 individuals annually through its core services of information and referral, care consultation, education, safety services and support groups. Headquartered in West Des Moines the Greater Iowa Chapter maintains five branch offices throughout Iowa. For additional information please contact us at 319.208.0271 or visit www.alz.org/greateriowa

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REP. BOSWELL COSPONSORS LEGISLATION
ADDRESSING THE ALZHEIMER CRISIS
Alzheimer’s Association Statement

Des Moines, IA May 19, 2010 – The Alzheimer’s Association’s® Greater Iowa chapter commends Rep. Boswell for cosponsoring both the “Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act” {S. 1492/ H.R. 3286} and the “National Alzheimer’s Project Act,” {S. 3036/H.R. 4689). For the more than 5 million people nationwide living with Alzheimer’s, and the 69,000 living right here in Iowa, supporting these important bills is a significant step in the fight against the disease and offers great promise for someday having a world without Alzheimer’s.

With an aging baby boomer population soon to be at the epicenter of an escalating Alzheimer crisis, the disease will become the country’s biggest, broadest and most expensive problem – to individuals, families, and the healthcare system. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias than for other people the same age without the disease. For the last several years, federal funding for Alzheimer research has declined in real terms. In fact, for every $25,000 the government spends on care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it spends only $100 for Alzheimer research. The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act authorizes a significant increase in funding for Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to $2 billion to increase momentum in the pursuit of better diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Today there is no one government entity whose sole purpose is to mount a full campaign against Alzheimer’s disease. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act would make strides in confronting the crisis. Building on the recommendations offered by the Alzheimer’s Study Group (ASG), an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat the disease, this legislation creates a National Alzheimer’s Project Office at the Department of Health and Human Services and an inter-agency Advisory Council that is responsible for creating a national plan to confront the escalating crisis. Drawing on the expertise residing in various government agencies as well as individuals living with the disease, caregivers, providers and other stakeholders, this office would provide strategic planning and coordination for the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.

“The Alzheimer’s Association commends Rep. Boswell for his recognition of the growing threat of Alzheimer’s,” said Carol Sipfle, Executive Director of the Greater Iowa Chapter. “Supporting the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act and the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, Rep. Boswell signals his understanding of the grave threat Alzheimer’s poses to the nation. With 5.3 million people living with the disease and 11 million people caring for them – nearly 17 million people touched by Alzheimer’s – it only underscores the urgency for action.”

The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

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REPRESENTATIVE TOM LATHAM COSPONSORS
NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT ACT LEGISLATION
Alzheimer’s Association Statement

Des Moines, IA April 24th, 2010 – For the more than 5 million people nationwide living with Alzheimer’s, and the 69,000 living right here in Iowa, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Iowa Chapter commends Rep. Latham for sponsoring the “National Alzheimer’s Project Act,” {S. 3036/H.R. 4689). In supporting this legislation, Rep. Latham signals his understanding of the fundamental need for a coordinated federal approach to confront one of America’s most feared and costly diseases.
“After experiencing my father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, I know the kind of heartbreak and tragedy this disease has caused for countless families in Iowa and across the country,” Congressman Latham said. “The need for information, guidance and support is paramount, and a comprehensive federal plan is a much needed step in a successful fight and victory against Alzheimer’s disease.”
Today there is no one government entity whose sole purpose is to mount a full campaign against Alzheimer’s disease which, without the discovery and development of effective treatments, is poised to strike 10 million baby boomers over the coming years. Building on the recommendations offered by the Alzheimer’s Study Group (ASG), an independent, bipartisan panel created to evaluate the government’s current efforts to combat the disease, this legislation creates a National Alzheimer’s Project Office at the Department of Health and Human Services and an inter-agency Advisory Council that is responsible for creating a national plan to confront the escalating crisis. Drawing on the expertise residing in various government agencies as well as individuals living with the disease, caregivers, providers and other stakeholders, this office would provide strategic planning and coordination for the fight against Alzheimer’s across the federal government as a whole.

In addition to the devastating impact on families, Alzheimer’s also threatens the nation’s health care system because of its significant costs. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are nearly 11 million Alzheimer and dementia caregivers nationwide providing 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at a staggering $144 billion. This national figure includes 106,474 Alzheimer and dementia caregivers right here in Iowa who provide a caregiver contribution in excess of 1.3 billion dollars

On behalf of the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s and the millions more at risk of developing this terminal disease in the future, the Alzheimer’s Association is grateful for the leadership of Rep’ Latham for supporting this meaningful legislation which, if enacted, would significantly improve the nation’s ability to overcome the rapidly mounting Alzheimer crisis.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

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