Support Alzheimer's funding
For the more than 10 million people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, there will be little rest this summer. For a disease that affects not just individuals, but entire families — there is little relief.
Today, there are more than 5 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is poised to soar to as many as 16 million by mid-century as the 78 million baby boomers enter the age of greatest risk. Caregivers to this growing population invest 8.5 billion hours worth $83 billion.
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Science is closing in on ways to treat and prevent this terrible disease, but the government is cutting back on its commitment to funding for Alzheimer research. Since 2003, federal funding for research at NIH has steadily declined both in real dollars and in failing to even keep pace with medical research inflation.
The only way to successfully combat Alzheimer’s disease is to accelerate the investment in medical research. Unfortunately, funding for research is diminishing at the same time that scientific breakthroughs are within reach.
Our leaders must vote for $125 million in additional funding to restore momentum and pursue the most promising research. Representative Todd Platts, Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Bob Casey can play a critical role in ensuring more funding for research and guaranteeing vital supportive services are maintained for the 500,000 people in Pennsylvania living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Health care costs continue to consume more and more from federal dollars, and costs related to Alzheimer’s will eventually take up the lion’s share of those funds. We must aggressively confront this disease — and see to it that our elected officials respond with the necessary funds for research.
Michelle Seitzer
York
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