We have entered a new era in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

On Capitol Hill: Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns remarks on the recommendations of the Alzheimer's Study Group (ASG). Joining him are ASG co-chairs Former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Former Senator Bob Kerrey, and Maria Shriver.

Through the combined efforts of the federal government, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the scientific community, the pharmaceutical industry and the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease has rocketed from relative obscurity to the forefront of modern biomedical sciences.

Phenomenal progress in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has been achieved in the last 15 years, and new insights into prevention lead us to believe that what was once considered hopeless is now hopeful.

Today, we see:

• Improved diagnostic tools that are helping providers to diagnose with more than 90 percent accuracy.

•  Identification of genes that may put people at increased risk for the disease.

•  A worldwide network of investigators and research centers involved in intensive studies on multiple fronts, including basic sciences, genetics, interventions, psychosocial issues and caregiving strategies for diverse populations.

• Critical research systems in place that support and coordinate clinical studies, and brain banks and cell repositories to facilitate sharing of donated tissues and genetic data – all to find answers faster, cheaper and better.

•  Five FDA-approved drug treatments and additional compounds in the pipeline.

•  New commercial applications of technology to provide greater independence and quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease.

•  Increased knowledge of what we can do to stave off dementia. There is growing evidence that by taking steps to keep your brain healthier as you age might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

We're leading the fight

The Alzheimer’s Association has a plan to fight Alzheimer's disease that includes a major mobilization of people and significant new resources. The Association is prepared to lead the fight, but the nation needs the leadership of the president and the Congress as well.

We call upon the 111th Congress and the administration to take action by increasing funding for Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $250 million with a goal of reaching $1 billion per year in funding in fiscal year 2011.

In addition, we are working to pass the Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 (S.700/H.R.1708). This legislation will phase out Medicare’s two-year waiting period so individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are eligible for Medicare immediately after they receive their determination of disability.

The Alzheimer’s Association also supports establishing the Alzheimer’s Solutions Project Office within the federal government.  Recommended by the Alzheimer’s Study Group (ASG) in their report The National Alzheimer's Strategic Plan. The Solutions Project would accelerate and focus national efforts, reengineer dementia care delivery and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 

Help add to our successes Become an advocate today!
	"I'm fighting this disease to honor my mother's memory and to help create a world without Alzheimer's for my boys." - Leslie Bishop Franco Alzheimer Advocate

 

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