[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 170 (Wednesday, November 18, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H8288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Dold) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as 
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
  Mr. Speaker, approximately 5.3 million Americans are currently 
suffering from Alzheimer's. This disease is the sixth leading killer in 
the United States, yet there is currently no treatment or cure for this 
horrible disease.
  This devastating disease will cost Medicare and Medicaid 
approximately $150 billion in 2015 alone. It also places an incredible 
burden on caregivers. Oftentimes these caregivers are family members 
who sacrifice their own well-being to care for their loved ones.
  We must work toward a cure, Mr. Speaker. This is one of the reasons 
why I was proud to be a cosponsor of the 21st Century Cures Act earlier 
this summer. The bill would provide an additional $8.75 billion in 
additional funding for the National Institutes of Health. Think about 
that for a second, Mr. Speaker. An opportunity for us to be able to 
invest in research so that we can actually have a breakthrough in some 
of the diseases that are the biggest drivers of our healthcare costs. 
For instance, we spend $330 billion each and every year treating 
diabetes; Alzheimer's and Parkinson's again will significantly eclipse 
that as we go forward.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I believe that the best way to honor those who are 
impacted by Alzheimer's disease is by dedicating time and resources to 
finding that very cure. I will continue to do just that, and I urge my 
colleagues here in the Chamber, across the aisle, and over in the 
Senate to be able to join me so that we can, once and for all, find a 
cure for this horrible disease.

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