Don’t allow the government to stand in the way of doctors providing an early and accurate diagnosis.

Half of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have never received a formal diagnosis. We know that an early and accurate diagnosis leads to better outcomes and higher quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and their families. Yet the federal government is moving to put up a barrier to those benefits.

Urge policy makers to improve care and provide an accurate diagnosis.

On July 3rd, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) -- the agency that controls many aspects of the Medicare services you receive -- issued a disappointing draft decision on coverage for a particular type of diagnostic test called brain amyloid imaging (read more). CMS stated they believe there is insufficient evidence that use of this test improves health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with dementia or neurodegenerative disease in specific populations.

However, the Alzheimer’s Association convened the Amyloid Imaging Taskforce, a group of leading experts in the field, who recommended that for certain situations amyloid imaging should be covered by Medicare immediately to improve the quality of care. One of those situations is when a dementia expert is unsure whether a decline in memory is due to Alzheimer’s or some other -- perhaps preventable -- cause.

Thankfully the decision is not yet final. Make your voice heard if you have had firsthand experience with dementia diagnosis and care, for yourself or a loved one. If you and your family experienced challenges in obtaining a diagnosis, or if an accurate diagnosis has allowed you and your family to better plan and manage the disease, please share your experience.

Those who have lived with Alzheimer’s or related dementias know an early and accurate diagnosis allows individuals with the disease and their caregivers to better manage medications and other chronic conditions, receive counseling, engage in financial and long-term care planning, and consider all medical and non-medical treatments and supports – including participation in appropriate clinical trials. These benefits improve the quality of life for those fighting Alzheimer’s and can lead to significant cost savings, both for individuals and our nation.

We can’t afford to postpone for years important tools that are ready to help doctors provide better Alzheimer’s care today.

A Global Gathering

This week about 5000 attendees from 70 countries worldwide gathered in Boston for the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2013 to celebrate 25 years of scientific progress while accelerating and shaping the future of dementia science. AAIC is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Scientists from around the globe came together to share new knowledge and collaborate with their peers — all in an effort to advance the discovery of scientific breakthroughs leading to methods of prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Read more at alz.org/aaic

An Important Step Toward Increased Funding for Alzheimer’s

As we shared with you last week, the US Senate Appropriations Committee has taken an important step to address the rapidly expanding Alzheimer's epidemic. Thanks in part to the actions of advocates like you, Senators from both parties supported including $104 million for Alzheimer's disease in the fiscal year 2014 funding bill.

Later this year the full U.S. Senate may have the opportunity to vote on this legislation. We hope that we can count on you to reach out to your Senators when the opportunity arises.  

Click here to view this message as HTML in your browser.

Click here to forward this message.

Click here to change your email preferences.