Congress Must Support Additional Funding for Alzheimer’s Disease Research

There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 15 million serving as unpaid caregivers. When my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I saw firsthand how destructive this disease truly is. He lost his ability to think, function and take care of himself – his diagnosis tormented my family as we watched as his memories slowly slip away.

Not only does this heartbreaking disease have a devastating effect on families and caregivers, but it is equally harmful to our nation’s health care systems. This looming crisis is deemed the most expensive disease in America – costing $259 billion annually, including $175 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments. Watching these figures grow inspired me to join forces with the Alzheimer’s Association.

The House HHS Subcommittee recently proposed a $400 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for FY18. This effort follows the historic $400 million increase for FY17 approved by Congress in May. While this funding will directly impact the research, policy, and care needed to find treatments – it still remains below the NIH target of $2 billion in order to continue to facilitate the research momentum. In the current budget climate, a greater effort will be required to maintain the progress.

Alzheimer’s is a national health crisis and it is not slowing down or going away, unless we do something. I urge Congressman Randy Hultgren, to continue to actively support making investments in medical research to eliminate the nation’s most expensive disease.

I will continue to do my part as an advocate for friends, family, neighbors, and myself.

Ashley B