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Alzheimer’s Association lauds passage Of Braley Amendment

Alzheimer’s Association lauds passage Of Braley Amendment
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July 30, 2009
Email: media@alz.org
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Alzheimer’s Association lauds passage Of Braley Amendment

Alzheimer’s Association Statement

The Alzheimer’s Association applauds the efforts of Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) and the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance the quality of health care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations. “Passage of Congressman Braley’s (D-IA) amendment is a victory for America’s most vulnerable and the entire health care system,” said Robert Egge, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy at the Alzheimer’s Association.  “The Alzheimer’s Association is grateful for his leadership and his commitment to this critical effort.”

Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) successfully offered an amendment to the health reform bill being considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that will benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease.  The amendment directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to develop quality indicators for the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Currently, there are no accepted quality indicators for care for the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.  Although AHRQ has consistently listed Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among its priority conditions, the development of quality indicators has lagged. Representative Braley’s amendment is consistent with the recommendations of both the Institutes of Medicine and the Alzheimer’s Study Group that AHRQ develop quality indicators as well as a plan for implementation and measurement of the quality of care provided to these patients.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are among the most costly and devastating health epidemics facing our country.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2009 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. If nothing is done to stop this disease, the government will spend nearly $20 trillion to care for those with Alzheimer’s between today and the middle of the century.

Any health reform legislation must take action to start addressing the staggering ramifications of this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to working with Rep. Braley and Congress to ensure that this important measure remains in health care reform legislation as it moves through the legislative process.

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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