Opinion: New legislation is needed in the fight against Alzheimer's
At a time when more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 220,000 in Ohio, prioritizing how this devastating disease is addressed remains a critical issue for our country.
In May, I had the pleasure of being part of a delegation from Ohio that joined more than 700 Alzheimer’s advocates in Washington, D.C., to speak on behalf of the millions dealing daily with this devastating disease.
Much progress has been made in the fight against Alzheimer’s over the last decade, thanks in large part to the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act (AAA).
With NAPA and AAA set to expire in 2025, updated legislation is critically needed by people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
The recently introduced NAPA Reauthorization Act would continue the work of the National Plan to build on the progress made in research, clinical and long-term care and public awareness. The legislation emphasizes the importance of healthy aging and risk reduction for Alzheimer’s disease to reflect the new sixth goal of the National Plan.
The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will make the current annual research budget proposal a permanent requirement from NIH scientists, ensuring that Congress is equipped with the best information to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels each year.
As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer's. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of further medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Thankfully, Congress can play an important role in addressing this critical issue.
Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging our members of Congress – including Reps. Steve Chabot, Brad Wenstrup and Warren Davidson – to address the critical national public health challenge that Alzheimer’s poses by supporting the NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act.
The time for action is now.
To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit online at alz.org.
Annemarie Barnett is executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Cincinnati Chapter.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Annemarie Barrett: New legislation is needed in the fight against Alzheimer's
