[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 133 (Friday, August 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING INVESTMENT IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE CURE RESEARCH

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                             HON. RO KHANNA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 2017

  Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
increased investment in research to combat Alzheimer's disease. Over 
five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's and more 
than fifteen million Americans are acting as a caregiver to a family 
member or friend with Alzheimer's. The disease is projected to afflict 
thirteen million Americans by the year 2050 unless we achieve 
significant advances in treatment. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth 
leading cause of death in the United States.
  Investing in Alzheimer's research is the right thing to do and good 
policy. The cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease to 
Medicaid and Medicare is 175 billion dollars. That makes up nineteen 
percent of the total Medicare budget. By 2050 that cost could grow to 
758 billion dollars. Medicare for an individual with Alzheimer's or 
dementia costs nearly four times more than it does for a person without 
Alzheimer's or dementia.
  As a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I am especially 
concerned with the number of our Veterans that suffer from dementia. 
Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder have been 
linked to an increased risk for Alzheimer's and dementia. I am glad the 
military has recognized the importance of Alzheimer's research. 
Programs like the Peer Reviewed Alzheimer's Disease Program are 
essential to address the long-term consequences of traumatic brain 
injuries.
  I urge my colleagues to join with me to support and increase in 
funding to combat Alzheimer's. We owe it to all Americans, especially 
those who have served, to find a way to prevent and treat this disease.

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