WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 2017 - Today, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee proposed a $400 million increase for Alzheimer's research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for fiscal year 2018. This effort was led by Alzheimer's champion Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and comes after Congress approved an historic $400 million increase for fiscal year 2017. The full House Appropriations Committee may take action on the bill as early as next week and Senate action will follow.
"Alzheimer's is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed," said Alzheimer's Association and AIM President and CEO Harry Johns. "Only medical breakthroughs will change that. We are very thankful to Chairman Cole and the subcommittee for recognizing the value in funding research that can lead to improved outcomes for those facing Alzheimer's and other dementias."
Today, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and more than 15 million serving as unpaid caregivers. As the most expensive disease in America at an estimated cost of $259 billion annually - including $175 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments - Alzheimer's is at risk to break the health care bank. In 2017, for every $100 the U.S. government spends on Alzheimer's research, it will spend $12,500 in Medicare and Medicaid costs caring for individuals living with this fatal disease.
Leading experts have said a greater investment is still needed if we are to stay on the path to meet the first goal of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease - preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's by 2025.
The Alzheimer's Association and AIM's relentless advocates have held thousands of meetings with their elected officials to share their personal stories about Alzheimer's and to encourage Congress to increase research funding at the NIH.
Today's news comes just days before more than 5,000 of the world's leading Alzheimer's and dementia researchers gather in London for the Alzheimer's Association International Conference ® 2017 (AAIC ®) and underscores the continuing need to grow research funding worldwide.
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.
