Sage Advice: Speak up! Speak Out! National Alzheimer's Plan

On January 4, 2011, the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) passed into law. The legislation signed by President Obama requires the federal government to create a National Alzheimer's Plan to a coordinated national strategy for coping with the impact of this disease upon individuals and families who are confronted by the physical, emotional and financial consequences of this disease.

As the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S.A,, Alzheimer’s has increased more than 50% from 2000 to 2007.

 “Beyond the human impact on families which cannot be underestimated, the economic burden — with total care costs escalating from $172 billion today to more than $1 trillion by 2050 — are significant as well,” said Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer’s Association vice president of public policy. “NAPA will help to put the nation on the right track and we commend the Obama administration for recognizing this.”

To help gather as many comments as possible, the Alzheimer’s Association has created an online forum where individuals can submit comments as well as create and post video commentary.

All input made  through the website of the Alzheimer’s Association will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for consideration in the development of the National Alzheimer’s Plan.

To view a short introduction of NAPA by President Obama as well as to leave your comments, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at http://napa.alz.org