WASHINGTON, D.C., September 7, 2017 - The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an additional $414 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research for the fiscal year 2018 budget. The Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) and our network of advocates applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee for approving this important funding increase.
"On behalf of all those touched by Alzheimer's, we thank the Committee including Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) for their strong bipartisan work to secure critical funding to advance Alzheimer's research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association and AIM President and CEO. "With similar action having been taken by the House Appropriations Committee, we urge Congress to pass this increase into law in the coming months."
If signed into law, federal investment in Alzheimer's and related dementia research funding would reach $1.8 billion. 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.
"We applaud this bipartisan effort, and hope to see continued collaboration on behalf of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and their over 15 million caregivers who are depending on their representatives to prioritize their health," said Johns.
The Alzheimer's Association, AIM and advocates across the country have been advocating for a $414 million increase since the start of the 115th Congress. This increase is consistent with the NIH's request for additional Alzheimer's and related dementia funding submitted in the second annual Professional Judgement Budget.
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.
