There have been significant advances in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. This is important as the earlier treatment can begin, the better the outcomes, which increases the likelihood that the individual will be able to participate in decision making related to their care, finances and legal matters. Early detection may also allow the individual to participate in clinical trials that focus on slowing the progression of the disease.
By the time my mother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she was already experiencing major cognitive deficits, and my husband and I were faced with making decisions on her behalf. I often look back and wonder how mom would have felt about the decisions we made for her and if she would have chosen to do anything differently. Unfortunately, the tests available today were not available to us at that time.
Thankfully, Senator Jim Banks has played an important role in accelerating access to blood biomarker tests and earlier detection of Alzheimer’s and other dementia in Indiana and across the nation by cosponsoring the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. The ASAP Act would allow coverage for future test methods approved and cleared by the FDA, helping to ensure beneficiaries do not face unnecessary delays or barriers to detection and treatment.
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Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in thanking Senator Banks for supporting the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act. On behalf of the 7 million Americans living with this disease and 12 million caregivers, we must continue investing in Alzheimer’s care and research to bring an end to this devastating disease.