WASHINGTON, D.C., February 10, 2017 - The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) congratulate Secretary Price on his confirmation to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
"We look forward to working with Secretary Price to end the devastating toll Alzheimer's disease is taking on our nation," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM Executive Director. "President Trump stated that Alzheimer's will be a "˜top priority' of his administration, and Secretary Price expressed his support to work with Congress to address this disease during his confirmation hearings. The American people need exactly this commitment, backed by action."
Today, Alzheimer's is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. What's more, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in America, costing an estimated $236 billion in 2016 - with more than half of that ($160 billion) coming from Medicare and Medicaid. By mid-century, the number of people with the disease is set to nearly triple, and the costs of Alzheimer's disease are projected to more than quadruple to $1.1 trillion.
"As a member of Congress, Secretary Price consistently took time to meet with our advocates and was particularly interested in what the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in its professional judgment, said it needed to reach the nation's goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's disease by 2025," continued Egge. "2025 is fast approaching. Now that Secretary Price oversees the NIH, the Alzheimer's Association and AIM stand ready to join with him in urging Congress to provide the resources the NIH needs to achieve this crucial target."
Today Alzheimer's research funding is at $991 million, still well short of the at least $2 billion that leading research experts say is needed to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025. And, importantly, a $400 million increase for FY17 was pending with the 114th Congress and now needs action by the 115th. The Alzheimer's Association and AIM look forward to working with Secretary Price and Congress to secure this important step forward, while also improving care and support for the millions who now have Alzheimer's and other dementias, and their caregivers.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
