Senator Collins Calls for Increased Funding for Alzheimer's Research & Broader Access to Alzheimer's Therapies

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In my judgment, there is no investment that pays greater dividends to American families than our investment in biomedical research. And that is why I've been such a strong supporter of NIH, and I will continue to be one.

We are very fortunate that all of those who are on this Committee share that view, including the Chair and the Vice Chair of this Subcommittee. That is why I am puzzled at the flat funding for Alzheimer's research. We have made real investments that help the 6.7 million Americans, aged 65 and older, who are currently living with Alzheimer's, and those who care for them. And we know that this number is on a trajectory to double by 2060.

Alzheimer's is also one of our nation's most costly diseases; and it's one of the leading causes of death among seniors. As a Senator representing the oldest state in the nation, this is of particular concern to me. And as a person who lost her father, her grandfather and two uncles to this devastating disease, I know, personally, what this means to American families. So, I hope that we can correct the flat funding, and continue the trajectory that we have been on.

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I want to commend the National Institute on Aging. You have been essential, in your institute, in sustaining the progress that we have been making. And we've seen an exciting, new class of treatments… that could delay or slow the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms.

…I'm so frustrated that these new therapies--based on sound science, approved by the FDA--are not reaching patients because of CMS' inexplicable determination that they are not reasonable and necessary for seniors.

While this is being finally sorted out, it is so sad, because these treatments are most effective when they're given early, when people are in the early stages of Alzheimer's. So, the patients who would benefit the most, are not receiving access to this medication.

Dr. Hodes, in your view, what would broader access to these disease-modifying therapies mean for patients?

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