[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brain Awareness 
Week, a critical moment to discuss the impact of brain disorders on our 
nation and the urgent need for brain research and discovery.
  Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease 
have tremendous, devastating impact on individuals and families. My dad 
had Parkinson's, so I know firsthand the physical and financial toll it 
takes on patients and caregivers.
  These diseases also pose a serious financial burden for the nation. 
Today, neurological diseases cost the United States an estimated $800 
billion a year. And that figure is projected to increase dramatically 
over the coming years.
  An estimated 5.5 million Americans are currently living with 
Alzheimer's disease. In my home state of Michigan, 180,000 people age 
65 and older have Alzheimer's. That is projected to increase more than 
20 percent--220,000 Michiganders--by 2025. And barring medical 
breakthroughs, the number of Americans age 65 and older with 
Alzheimer's is estimated to reach 16 million by 2050. Between now and 
2050, the cumulative cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's is 
projected to exceed $20 trillion.
  Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative 
disorder in the United States. Each year, 60,000 Americans are 
diagnosed with Parkinson's. The current total economic burden of the 
disorder is estimated to be about $14.4 billion a year in the United 
States. And by 2040, the prevalence of Parkinson's is expected to more 
than double.
  Thanks to advances in brain research, we have a deeper understanding 
of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and researchers recently identified 
possible environmental and genetic risk factors for Parkinson's.
  However, further research is required to unravel the complexities of 
these neurological disorders. Without breakthroughs, we will not be 
able to develop new, more effective treatments. Currently available 
treatments provide relief from some Parkinson's symptoms, but do not 
halt the progression of Parkinson's. Alzheimer's is the only disease in 
the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, slowed 
or cured.
  This Brain Awareness Week, I extend my gratitude to the great 
scientific minds who are advancing our understanding of brain 
disorders. And let's redouble our efforts to find new breakthroughs in 
brain research and bring a healthier future in reach for our nation.

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