Call our 24 hours, seven days a week helpline at 800.272.3900

24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900
Donate

Congress approves $10 billion in scientific research funding

Congress approves $10 billion in scientific research funding
Share or Print this page
Share or Print this page
February 16, 2009
Email: media@alz.org
Share or Print this page

Congress approves $10 billion in scientific research funding

The Alzheimer's Association commends Congress for passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will provide a much-needed $10 billion increase in funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research — the largest funding increase for NIH in 5 years. For the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, this investment is a significant first step in working to bring scientific breakthroughs in Alzheimer's and other major chronic diseases to fruition.

We applaud Congress and the Obama administration for recognizing that this vital infusion of funding into scientific research that works to save lives but also works to shore up the scientific research enterprise. The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act also includes $1 billion for a Prevention and Wellness Fund at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is our hope that strategies to address chronic disease and expand health brain initiatives will result from this additional funding.

We would especially like to thank Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) for their leadership in helping to secure this substantial funding increase for NIH. We are optimistic that part of this funding will increase support for research to cure, prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease.

Finally, we would like to thank the thousands of Alzheimer advocates from across the country who reached out to their members of Congress to urge their support of this important legislation.

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.

Keep Up With Alzheimer’s News and Events