NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - July 14, 2016) - The House Appropriations Committee today approved a budget that calls for $350 million in increased funding for Alzheimer's disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the fiscal year (FY) 2017 federal budget. If passed by the House, this would put overall funding for Alzheimer's disease research at approximately $1.26 billion for FY 2017.
"I applaud Committee Chairman Rogers (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Lowey (D-N.Y.) along with House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS and Education Chairman Cole (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member DeLauro (D-Conn.) on this proposed increase in funding," said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA). "Increased dollars are needed if we are to find a cure or meaningful treatment for Alzheimer's disease by 2025 -- the goal articulated in the national Alzheimer's plan. We have seen an uptick in federal support and resources the last few budget cycles and know that we, as a nation, are taking steps in the right direction to defeat this devastating disease. We will continue working with members of Congress to maintain this upward trajectory and ensure we don't waver from the path to a cure."
Earlier this year, AFA -- whose mission is to provide optimal care and services for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their families -- called for $1 billion in increased funding for Alzheimer's disease research from the federal government in FY 2017. An additional billion dollars would put overall spending for Alzheimer's disease research at $2 billion a year, the amount Alzheimer's researchers say is necessary to find a cure by 2025.
AFA also requested an additional $40 million in enhanced investments for caregiver supports and services in FY 2017. Such programs are vital in helping caregivers cope with the daily challenges of the disease. Access to quality support services allows individuals living with dementia and their family caregivers to live healthier lives, while lowering care costs by reducing hospitalizations and delaying nursing home placement.
Currently, Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with some studies suggesting it could be as high as third, yet it only disease state in the top 10 for which there is neither a cure nor impactful treatment.
About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA):
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,500 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and "AFA Partners in Care" dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.