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This staggering number is the cost of dealing with Alzheimer’s disease during the next 40 years. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease, creating an enormous strain on families, the health care system and the federal budget. While the costs to our nation are high and continue to grow, this issue is about more than just dollars and cents. There are still widespread misconceptions about the disease and health care providers are unprepared to deal with individuals living with Alzheimer's and their families. To address these challenges, the federal government must take bold action to confront this epidemic. We call on Congress to increase the commitment to Alzheimer's research, expand education efforts and support services, and improve access to diagnosis and care planning. Tell Congress to support a smart and strategic National Alzheimer’s Plan backed by the resources necessary to make progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Putting Alzheimer's on the Map Next week more than 700 advocates from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress during the 2012 Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum. Speaking on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people affected by Alzheimer's disease in their local communities and congressional districts, these advocates will remind members of Congress and their staff of the pressing needs of the Alzheimer’s community. They will ask members of Congress to support the development of the National Alzheimer’s Plan through an increased commitment to Alzheimer’s research and expanded education and caregiver support services. They will let the administration know that the proposed $100 million for research funding in 2013 is sorely needed to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments that may prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer’s. The efforts of these advocates won't end in D.C. Many have pledged to followup with their elected officials in the weeks and months ahead by attending town halls, public speaking events and in-person meetings. These visits are vital to our advocacy efforts. A handshake, a shared story and an impassioned request can make all the difference. Best of all, you can join these advocates today! Contact your member of Congress now. And reach out to your local Alzheimer's Association staff for more information on how you can get involved in your community. Be Social! Connect Online During the Forum Follow the conversation on Twitter through hash tag #AlzForum and through our national FaceBook page at facebook.com/actionalz. We will be posting photos, videos and live updates, and we want you to be part of the discussion. NAPA process continues to move forward This week, the federal government released a second draft of the National Alzheimer’s Plan. The National Alzheimer’s Plan is required by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, which was passed by Congress unanimously with the strong support of the Alzheimer’s Association and its advocates in late 2010. In addition, this week the Alzheimer's Advisory Council met and voted to pass a set of recommendations for inclusion in the National Alzheimer’s Plan. The Advisory Council was created by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, and is composed of leaders in research, care, services, local government and nonprofit associations. According to Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns, a member of the Advisory Council, these recommendations “taken together with the plan create a blueprint to address the Alzheimer’s crisis now and in the longer term.” The Alzheimer’s Association is working with the Administration to ensure the full recommendations of the Advisory Council are included in the final draft of the National Alzheimer’s Plan. The federal government expects to have a finalized plan incorporating much of this feedback by late spring. Important updates regarding the National Alzheimer’s Plan are available at alz.org/napa. |
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