[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
the National Alzheimer's Project Act. I would like to thank my 
colleague and fellow cochair 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, 
much more needs to be done. This bill will establish a National 
Alzheimer's Project Office and interagency Advisory Council to help 
coordinate a national plan for Alzheimer's research, care, and related 
support services. The National Alzheimer's Project Office will be 
established within and overseen by the Department of Health and Human 
Services. Alzheimer's efforts throughout the federal government will be 
coordinated and continually evaluated by this entity, including 
research, clinical care, and various support programs. The Alzheimer's 
Association has endorsed this bill which will modify care delivery and 
help prevention of this awful disease.
  Madam Speaker, in order to help fight this disease and reduce the 
number of patients who suffer from Alzheimer's, it is imperative to 
better coordinate federal activities relating to this disease. I urge 
my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation, and I look 
forward to continuing to work with them throughout the legislative 
process.

                          ____________________