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The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act

By: Ed Markey
By: Ed Markey
Date: July 22, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care


THE ALZHEIMER'S BREAKTHROUGH ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2009)

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Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act. I would like to thank my colleague and fellow co-chair of the bipartisan Alzheimer's Task Force, Mr. Chris Smith of New Jersey, for continuing to partner with me on this important legislation.

An estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and one in ten individuals has a family member with the disease. Unless science finds a way to prevent or cure it, nearly 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050. Additionally, in 2005, Medicare spent $91 billion for the care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and this amount is projected to increase to $160 billion in 2010.

While we have made great progress in the battle against Alzheimer's, more needs to be done to combat this devastating disease. This bill will increase the federal commitment to Alzheimer's research and prevention and offer assistance for caregivers.

Our bill contains urgently needed increases in National Institutes of Health funding for Alzheimer's disease research, prevention initiatives, clinical research support, public education programs and innovative approaches to Alzheimer's care. Assistance to caregivers is included in this legislation with the establishment of an Alzheimer's Call Center offering advice and care consultation. It also authorizes the director of the National Institute on Aging to make grants or conduct clinical, social and behavioral research related to interventions designed to help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Madam Speaker, the best way to fight this disease and reduce the number of patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease is to find ways to prevent it before it starts. Investments we make now in Alzheimer's disease and aging research could lead to longer, healthier lives for Americans and significantly lower costs to the federal government. Congress must act now to strengthen the federal commitment to preventing Alzheimer's disease and assisting those who give care to the victims of this disease.

I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on this important issue throughout the legislative process.

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