Increased Funding for Alzheimer's Research in Federal Spending Bill Will Benefit Rhode Island

Press Release

During negotiations over federal spending for 2016, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) successfully advocated to significantly increase funding for Alzheimer's disease research. The increase in available funding will also create new opportunities for colleges and universities in Rhode Island, including the University of Rhode Island, which received nearly $14 million in 2012 to improve care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

"Currently, available treatments for Alzheimer's disease are only able to provide modest relief of symptoms over time, while effective long-term treatments and preventative measures are not yet available. Funding for Alzheimer's research is not keeping pace with Medicare and Medicaid spending," Cicilline wrote in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The federal spending bill passed by Congress earlier this month expanded funding for Alzheimer's research from $586 million in 2015 to $936 million in 2016 -- an increase of nearly 60%. The increase in funding for Alzheimer's initiatives will expand resources available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Alzheimer's Project.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will be required to coordinate Alzheimer's disease research and services across all federal agencies to accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. This includes vital NIH research efforts to identify research priorities and milestones as well as expand research aimed at preventing and treating Alzheimer's.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5.3 million Americans, including 22,000 Rhode Islanders, are living with Alzheimer's disease today. By 2025, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase to 7.1 million.

Experts believe robust funding for Alzheimer's research could help develop a cure by 2025. The development of a treatment by 2025 could save the United States as much as $220 billion over the first five years, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

During his time in office, Cicilline has fought to increase resources for Alzheimer's research and ensure Rhode Islanders suffering from this disease get the treatment and care they need. In September, Cicilline announced that Seven Hills Rhode Island would receive nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen care for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Source