Thanks to the commitment, hard work and passion of Alzheimer's advocates, the first ever National Alzheimer's Plan was released in May. Now we must take the next step. We need your help to ensure that Congress makes a much-needed down payment of $100 million toward this history-making approach to addressing Alzheimer's disease.
The President's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget request to Congress included $100 million to support:
- Alzheimer's research
- Public awareness and education
- Health provider training
- Family caregiver support
However, these funds depend on Congressional action. That's where you can make a difference. Tell Congress to support a strong National Alzheimer's plan.
Giving your time to this important advocacy issue is just as important to the future of Alzheimer's as making a contribution. And it just takes a few moments.
Subject: Please support $100 million in resources for Alzheimer's disease.
Dear [Decision Maker],
As an Alzheimer's Association advocate, I am writing to request that you make Alzheimer's disease a national priority by supporting $100 million in additional resources for Alzheimer's disease research, education, care and support activities.
[Your comment will be added here]
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 $200 billion, including $140 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 soar to as many as 16 million in 2050. 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.
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 smart, effective and has 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 with $100 million in additional resources for research, education, care and support activities next year.
In order 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.
Will you help make Alzheimer's a national priority?
