Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Floor Speech

Mr. KAINE. Mr. President. I wish to commemorate Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness month. The impact of Alzheimer's is felt in families and communities across Virginia and the Nation, and this month provides an opportunity to stand with those suffering from Alzheimer's and other brain diseases to raise awareness. I am also proud to cosponsor S. 857, the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education, HOPE, for Alzheimer's Act today.

The challenges Alzheimer's poses for families are real. Financially and emotionally, Alzheimer's disease has a devastating impact as patients need to navigate medical information, access community services and prepare for living with this disease. In Virginia there are over 130,000 people living with Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 190,000 by 2025. Alzheimer's does not only impact the individual patient, but also changes the lives of family caregivers. In 2014, an estimated 452,000 family caregivers provided 514 million hours of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Virginia.

The cost is also significant for the Federal Government. Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, and by 2050, it will be nearly $1 of every $3. In the years between 2015 and 2050, caring for people with Alzheimer's will cost our country $20.8 trillion. Research funding is critical, and action is needed to provide to support for newly diagnosed patients and families.

The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act would ensure patients and their families have access to a care planning session with their doctor to help them understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and what medical and community services are available. Studies have shown that providing patients and families with a full range of information and support results in better outcomes for those living with Alzheimer's, including higher quality of care, increased use of needed community services, reduced patient behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, and reduced caregiver stress and depression. According to the Alzheimer's Association, only 45 percent of people with Alzheimer's disease or their caregivers report being told of their diagnosis.

This legislation provides for Medicare coverage for comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services. While Medicare covers Alzheimer's disease diagnostic services, it currently does not provide coverage for comprehensive care planning following a diagnosis. These critical services will allow patients and families to understand the diagnosis, receive information about medical and non-medical options for ongoing treatment, services and supports and how to access care.

As a member of the Committee on Aging, I am committed to working with my colleagues to raise awareness about this devastating disease, and thank the Alzheimer's Association and other advocates for their strong voices during June and throughout the year.

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