Alzheimer's Association Strongly Backs Treatment and Caregiver Support Act

(Left to right) Gerry Sampson, Alzheimer's Association board member; Bonnie Duffy, Alzheimer's Association director of federal policy; Sikizi Allen, supervisor, California's City of Inglewood Senior Center; Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.); Debra L. Cherry, Alzheimer's Association executive vice president, California Southland Chapter; and Jennifer Zeitzer, Alzheimer's Association associate director of federal policy.

The Alzheimer's Association strongly backs H.R. 1032, the Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act, introduced Feb. 13 by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). The bill seeks to find prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's disease while also providing much needed support for those with the disease and their caregivers.

"The Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act offered by Rep. Maxine Waters is a tremendous step in creating awareness about Alzheimer's disease, which is currently affecting 4.5 million Americans over the age of 65," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association president and CEO. "With that number expected to soar to as many as 16 million by 2050, this legislation addresses the need for education, training, support and tangible services to assist those with the disease and their families.

"The Alzheimer's Association applauds Rep. Maxine Waters for continuing to make Alzheimer's a priority and for championing the expansion of community-based services, especially in underserved communities, to assist those in need."

Last year, Rep. Waters led the fight to restore funding for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® program that helps reunite loved ones with a person with dementia who has wandered.

The Alzheimer's Association is appreciative of Rep. Waters' leadership on this issue and will be working with advocates to ensure passage of H.R. 1032 in the House of Representatives.

More information

H.R. 1032 press release
- Office of Rep. Maxine Waters