[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE ALZHEIMER'S BREAKTHROUGH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

  Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act. I would like to thank my colleague 
and fellow co-chair of the bipartisan Alzheimer's Task Force, Mr. Chris 
Smith of New Jersey, for continuing to partner with me on this 
important legislation.
  An estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and one 
in ten individuals has a family member with the disease. Unless science 
finds a way to prevent or cure it, nearly 16 million Americans will 
have Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050. Additionally, in 2005, 
Medicare spent $91 billion for the care of individuals with Alzheimer's 
disease, and this amount is projected to increase to $160 billion in 
2010.
  While we have made great progress in the battle against Alzheimer's, 
more needs to be done to combat this devastating disease. This bill 
will increase the federal commitment to Alzheimer's research and 
prevention and offer assistance for caregivers.
  Our bill contains urgently needed increases in National Institutes of 
Health funding for Alzheimer's disease research, prevention 
initiatives, clinical research support, public education programs and 
innovative approaches to Alzheimer's care. Assistance to caregivers is 
included in this legislation with the establishment of an Alzheimer's 
Call Center offering advice and care consultation. It also authorizes 
the director of the National Institute on Aging to make grants or 
conduct clinical, social and behavioral research related to 
interventions designed to help caregivers of individuals with 
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
  Madam Speaker, the best way to fight this disease and reduce the 
number of patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease is to find ways 
to prevent it before it starts. Investments we make now in Alzheimer's 
disease and aging research could lead to longer, healthier lives for 
Americans and significantly lower costs to the federal government. 
Congress must act now to strengthen the federal commitment to 
preventing Alzheimer's disease and assisting those who give care to the 
victims of this disease.
  I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on this 
important issue throughout the legislative process.

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