Make Alzheimer's Disease A National Priority
- by: Alzheimer's Association
- recipient: US Senate
Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to skyrocket to as many as 16 million by 2050. Without major research breakthroughs, the cost of Alzheimer's between now and 2050 may total $20 trillion (in today's dollars).
Despite these staggering costs to our nation, chronic underinvestment continues in Alzheimer's disease research. For every $27,000 spent caring for those with Alzheimer's, a mere $100 is spent on research. That just doesn't make sense. Smart investments in other conditions have shown great success and are paying off, both in terms of cost AND lives saved.
Overcoming Alzheimer's will save lives and is vital to addressing our nation's fiscal challenges.
Please ask your elected officials to invest in Alzheimer's research, education, care and support activities.
Despite these staggering costs to our nation, chronic underinvestment continues in Alzheimer's disease research. For every $27,000 spent caring for those with Alzheimer's, a mere $100 is spent on research. That just doesn't make sense. Smart investments in other conditions have shown great success and are paying off, both in terms of cost AND lives saved.
Overcoming Alzheimer's will save lives and is vital to addressing our nation's fiscal challenges.
Please ask your elected officials to invest in Alzheimer's research, education, care and support activities.
Dear Lawmaker, As an Alzheimer's advocate, I am writing to request that you make Alzheimer's disease a national priority by supporting the $104 million in resources included in the FY 2014 Senate Appropriations bill for Alzheimer's disease research, education, care and support activities. The soaring global costs of Alzheimer's and dementia care, the escalating number of people living with the disease, and the challenges encountered by affected families demand a meaningful, aggressive and ambitious effort to solve this crisis. America cannot continue down its current path -- it is up to you to change the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease. Today, the more than 5 million American's living with Alzheimer's cost our nation an estimated $203 billion, including $142 billion to Medicare and Medicaid. If we fail to make a difference right now in the fight against Alzheimer's, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's could as much as triple by 2050 as our country ages. Costs from Alzheimer's on its current path between now and 2050 will total $20 trillion. The urgency is clear. Alzheimer's can't wait. [Your comments here] This enormous and unsustainable strain on the healthcare system, families, and federal and state budgets is avoidable with federal leadership. We must ensure that the first-ever U.S. National Alzheimer's Plan is implemented effectively and is backed by the resources needed to change the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease. The Plan outlines critical steps our nation must take to address the full spectrum of the Alzheimer's crisis. Congress must continue its bipartisan support for its implementation by providing the additional $104 million in resources for research, education, care and support activities next year. To change the trajectory of this devastating disease, we must take bold steps now towards providing better supports for the millions of Americans navigating Alzheimer's and finding the needed treatments, prevention and, one day, a cure. Sincerely, [Your name here]
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