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House Hears Call of Alzheimer’s Association Advocates, Proposes Critical Research Funding Increase

House Hears Call of Alzheimer’s Association Advocates, Proposes Critical Research Funding Increase
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July 5, 2016
Email: media@alz.org
Media Line: 312.335.4078
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Today, the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee proposed a $350 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at the NIH. This bipartisan effort was led by Alzheimer’s champion Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and comes just weeks after the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed a historic $400 million increase. The full House Appropriations Committee may take action on the House Appropriations bill as early as next week.

“On behalf of the millions of Americans impacted by this fatal disease, I thank Chairman Cole and other members of the subcommittee for their commitment to end the Alzheimer’s epidemic,” said Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the only leading cause of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. Only research will change this.”

In 2012, the first-ever National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease was released with a goal to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. Experts have determined that in order to reach this goal annual Alzheimer’s disease research funding at NIH must be at least $2 billion. Today, following last year’s historic $350 million increase, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias receive $991 million each year.

“At a cost of $18.3 million an hour, Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the country,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer. “Today’s announcement will provide important funding for research that will allow scientists to better address the gaps in our understanding about this devastating disease.”

Today, there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 15 million family and friends serving as unpaid caregivers in the United States. It is the most expensive disease in America at a cost of $236 billion annually. The Alzheimer’s Association’s relentless advocates have held thousands of meetings with their elected officials sharing their personal stories of how Alzheimer’s has affected them and calling on Congress to increase research funding at the NIH.

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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