Congressman Patrick Kennedy E-newsletter - November 18, 2009

Op-Ed

Dear Fellow Rhode Islander:

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Month. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death for people in the United States, and the National Institute on Aging predicts that 10 million American Baby Boomers will develop the disease. Today, approximately 25,000 Rhode Islanders have Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease places a tremendous burden on families. Families are often the primary caregivers for those who suffer from AD. When the loved ones of those who suffer from the disease are counted, the number of those directly affected by the disease is far greater.

The economic burden imposed by AD on our society is also significant. Medicare and Medicaid payments for AD sufferers are significantly higher compared to those without AD, and AD costs businesses over $36 billion in lost productivity from family members who must act as caregivers.

As an original member of the Congressional Alzheimer's Task Force, I have long been a proponent of increased funding for Alzheimer's Disease research and programs that provide resources to support caregivers. I have also co-sponsored the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act, to appropriate funding for research efforts across the country, and the National Neurotechnology Initiative Act, to increase Federal resources and collaborative translational research on the brain and nervous system.

Finally, I am fully supportive of provisions in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, to enhance wellness and prevention programs and eliminate cost-sharing for preventive services in Medicare, and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, to ensure that seniors can continue to have access to their doctor of choice.

For more information about Alzheimer's Disease, please click here.

Rhode Island Fun Facts
The first National Football League (NFL) night game was held on November 6, 1929 at Providence's Kinsley Park. The Chicago (now Arizona) Cardinals defeated the Providence Steam Roller 16-0.
Thank You,

Patrick Kennedy
Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of Congress

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