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Alzheimer’s Association calls on presidential candidates to address looming epidemic At the grassroots level

Alzheimer’s Association calls on presidential candidates to address looming epidemic At the grassroots level
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March 17, 2008
Email: media@alz.org
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Alzheimer’s Association calls on presidential candidates to address looming epidemic 

Report reveals 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease

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According to the new 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report released today, 10 million baby boomers will develop the disease and in full page ads in the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, the Alzheimer’s Association asks the presidential candidates what they are going to do about the escalating Alzheimer epidemic. Currently there is no cure or effective treatment that delays the progression of the fatal disease. 

“Leadership from the top is vital and an effective plan to stop this emerging epidemic is necessary to save millions of lives and billions of dollars for the nation’s healthcare system,” said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Disease-modifying treatments are within our grasp, but an immediate and significant increase in federally funded Alzheimer research is critical to make Alzheimer’s a thing of the past.”

The 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures indicates that there are an estimated 5.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the seventh leading cause of death in the country and the fifth leading cause of death for those over age 65. Experts predict by 2010, there will be almost a half million new cases of Alzheimer’s disease a year; and by 2050, there will be almost a million new cases each year.

“Whether it is President-elect Clinton, McCain or Obama – each one must be prepared to address the concerns of the millions affected by Alzheimer’s today and the one out of eight boomers who will face it tomorrow. The stakes are high and ending Alzheimer’s disease must be at the top of the next Administration’s agenda or the consequences will be dire for families, Medicare, Medicaid and the nation’s healthcare infrastructure,” said Johns.

icon_pdf   2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures (43 pages)

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At the grassroots level

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Local Alzheimer's Association chapters also gave a clear message to presidential hopefuls. Chapters displayed the poster pictured above during their state's presidential primaries. Gabrielle Corey, Alzheimer's Association West Virginia Chapter staffer and advocate, put a poster outside the chapter's office during the West Virginia primary.
 
  

 

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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