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Statement on the passing of Dr. Robert Butler, former Alzheimer's Association national board member

Statement on the passing of Dr. Robert Butler, former Alzheimer's Association national board member
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July 8, 2010
Email: media@alz.org
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Statement on the passing of Dr. Robert Butler, former Alzheimer's Association national board member

The Alzheimer's Association extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Robert Butler, a leading expert on aging, on his passing on Sunday, July 4. While serving as the first director of the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Butler helped support the origination of a national Alzheimer organization, which became the Chicago-based Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (Alzheimer's Association) founded by a small group of individuals led by Jerome Stone.

Dr. Butler was an early leader of the Alzheimer's Association, joining the national board in 1983. Two years later, he became a member the Alzheimer's Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council. He also served on the Alzheimer's Association International Journal Board.

Currently, there are as many as 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

While there is still no cure for Alzheimer's or treatments that stop or even slow the progression of the disease, there has been scientific progress and a greater understanding about the disease. While the pursuit of effective disease therapies continues, families nationwide are receiving care, information and support because of the contributions of advocates like Dr. Butler.

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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