Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Cure and Understanding through Research for Alzheimer’s Act of 2005

or the

La Cura Act of 2005

NIH Research and education on alzheimer’s disease

(a)

Doubling NIH funding for alzheimer’s disease Research

For the purpose of conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer’s disease at the National Institutes of Health (including related activities under subpart 5 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285e et seq.)), there are authorized to be appropriated $1,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2006 and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. (b)

Research activities

In conducting research relating to Alzheimer’s disease, the Director of the National Institutes of Health shall ensure sufficient resources for activities relating to Alzheimer’s disease and Hispanic communities, including by— (1)increasing efforts in epidemiological work in Hispanic subgroups; (2)allocating resources to the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s disease research centers and other academic centers involved in Alzheimer’s disease research to increase participation of Hispanics in research and clinical trials in sufficient numbers to draw valid conclusions; and (3)conducting social, behavioral, and health services research— (A)to understand more fully the underlying reasons that Hispanic individuals delay diagnosis and underutilize services; and (B)to identify culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches for addressing such delays and underutilization. (c)

Education activities

The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall expand and intensify efforts of the Institutes— (1)to educate communities about the importance of research relating to Alzheimer’s disease; and (2)to respond effectively to cultural concerns about participation in such research, especially with respect to sensitive matters like the collection of brain tissue and genetic information.

Increased funding for alzheimer’s disease demonstration grants

Section 398B(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280c–5(e)) is amended— (1)by striking and such and inserting such; and (2)by inserting before the period at the end , $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2010.

Cdc outreach and education

Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317S the following:

317T.

Education and outreach on alzheimer’s disease

(a)

Purposes

The purposes of this section are the following: (1)To reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through reduction of vascular risk factors. (2)To encourage early recognition and diagnosis of dementia. (3)To train public health personnel to recognize, assess, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer’s disease in ways that are culturally appropriate and supportive of families. (b)

Education and outreach

To achieve the purposes of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with State health departments and the Alzheimer’s Association, shall conduct an aggressive, evidence-based education and outreach program to promote public awareness and risk reduction with respect to Alzheimer’s disease. (c)

Emphasis

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall give particular emphasis to education and outreach in Hispanic populations.