Like many others across the United States, my family understands firsthand the toll that Alzheimer's disease takes on those suffering with it and on their caregivers. What starts out as slight memory loss eventually leads to disappearing personalities and then no recollection of the people and memories that once filled an individual's life. I remember how painful it was to see that happen to my father during the last several years of his life. Given my experience, I remain committed to helping find solutions to defeat the disease--for patients, caregivers and the entire country.
As many are aware, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease has grown rapidly in recent years and based on the current trend, it doesn't show signs of slowing down. Currently, more than five million Americans suffer from the disease, and projections expect that 16 million could have it by the middle of this century. Without question, that daunting reality begs us to do something beyond treating symptoms as they occur in individuals. During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month throughout June, we are not only reminded about the national health crisis that exists because of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases, but we are also urged to seek answers about the causes for these diseases.
Each year, billions of private and public dollars are spent caring for people suffering with Alzheimer's. Much of that heavy financial and emotional burden is imposed on family members serving as caregivers. However, the financial strain is not only felt by families and caregivers, it also negatively impacts the American economy and adds to the national debt in the form of mandatory spending. In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on a person with the disease.
Unfortunately, the money spent on care heavily outweighs the money spent on research to slow down the disease or find a cure. I believe that boosting research funding is the only chance we have at preventing, slowing and eventually eliminating this deadly disease. I'm pleased to report that lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have shown they will make this funding a priority.
Last year, I'm proud that the Appropriations subcommittee that I chair prioritized and boosted funding for the research capacity at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As part of the investment at NIH that was included in the final funding measure for the current year, I was especially encouraged that we secured an historic increase specifically for Alzheimer's disease research. And we responsibly paid for these increases by cutting wasteful spending in other areas of the government.
As we continue working through the appropriations process for this year, I look forward to building on the significant progress already made to confront Alzheimer's. I remain hopeful that the recent investments in research dollars will lead to answers, solutions and taxpayer savings. Certainly, if we do more than treat symptoms and seek solutions, the entire nation will be better off.