Senator Collins Announces Formation Of Alzheimer's Disease Study Group

Press Release

SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE STUDY GROUP

Recently, the co-chairs of the Senate Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease - Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) welcomed the formation of the Alzheimer's Disease Study Group, a new independent, non-partisan panel that will join efforts to advance the cause of Alzheimer's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They were joined by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Richard Burr (R-NC), leadership of the Alzheimer's Association, and the co-chairs of the new study group Newt Gingrich and Bob Kerrey.

"Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on both the individual and the family," commented Senator Collins. "I am pleased that this study group is being created with the goal of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of our nation's current efforts to combat Alzheimer's Disease and identify strategies aimed at preventing, delaying and even curing this terrible disease."

"Today is an opportunity to build on our commitment to finding solutions for all the challenges posed by Alzheimer's Disease," said Senator Clinton. "From discovering the underlying causes and developing a cure, to improving the long-term care of those suffering from this disease and helping their caregivers cope with the physical, emotional and mental challenges, we need to keep pressing for progress."

The Alzheimer's Study Group announced today will be a non-partisan, independent collection of health policy experts to evaluate the country's current efforts to combat the disease and to recommend strategies for addressing identified shortcomings.

"There are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number will increase to as many as 16 million if action isn't taken now," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association President and CEO. "Alzheimer's disease requires the immediate and full attention of our nation's elected and non-elected leaders to avert an impending crisis and this bipartisan, independent Study Group will provide the necessary analysis and guidance to help shape future efforts in research, prevention and care."

Every day, Alzheimer's disease robs millions of Americans of the thoughts, memories, and dreams that define them as individuals. Countless children, spouses, loved ones and caretakers also suffer as they watch the disease unfold in a family member, friend, or patient. An estimated 5.1 million Americans now have Alzheimer's and it's estimated that up to 16 million older Americans will suffer from this devastating disease by the year 2050.

The Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease was created to focus national attention on Alzheimer's Disease and the health crisis it presents. The goals of the Task Force are to educate and focus attention on Alzheimer's disease; to encourage increased research funding for the discovery of treatments and a possible cure; and to foster open bipartisan discussion about public policy solutions to help meet the long term care needs of persons with the disease. The Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease currently includes 23 U.S. Senators and 171 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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