Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only one among the top 10 without any way to cure, prevent or even slow its progression.
Caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the U.S. an estimated $200 billion in 2012, including $35 billion by Medicaid. This is NOT a normal part of aging, and this is NOT a disease we can ignore.
Alzheimer's can't wait. We need a federal commitment in order to change the course of Alzheimer's disease. Tell President Obama millions of families are counting on him to fulfill the potential of the National Alzheimer's Project Act.
We, the undersigned, call on the President to issue a strong National Alzheimer's Plan to help the millions of Americans now affected by Alzheimer's disease, and the many millions more at risk.
Alzheimer's won't wait.
Today, more than 5 million Americans are facing the challenges of Alzheimer's. This number could rise to 16 million by 2050 if we do not act.
Right now, 15.2 million Americans serve as caregivers, and this is projected to soar to 45 million in that same timeframe.
The cost of inaction is too high. Alzheimer's will cost the nation $200 billion this year. This will rise to $1.1 trillion by 2050, bankrupting families and our health care system.
Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only one among the top 10 without a way to cure, prevent or even slow its progression.
We urge the President to take the next bold step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's, fulfilling the promise of the National Alzheimer's Project Act passed unanimously by Congress more than a year ago. Now is the time to create a world without Alzheimer's.
Families won't forget.
