alzheimer’s foundation of america statement proposed $350 million increase for national institute on aging in fy 2016 omnibus spending bill
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing optimal care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, issued the following statement in support of the proposed increase of $350 million dollars for Alzheimer’s disease clinical research at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the lead federal institute researching Alzheimer’s disease, and an overall $2 billion increase at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year (FY) 2016.
Statement from Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer:
“The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is grateful to Congressional leaders for recognizing the need to make Alzheimer’s disease a national priority and urges Congressional representatives to approve this budget package.
“As our nation ages, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease will be more profound and more families will face the effects of this debilitating brain disorder, which currently affects more than 5 million Americans. This proposed funding increase is a significant step forward in investing in promising research toward a cure. At the same time, funding for Alzheimer’s disease research still lags far behind other disease states. Alzheimer’s stakeholders and our champions in Congress, therefore, must remain vigilant and continue to build upon this momentum. With continued progress, it is possible to achieve the goals of National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and to find a cure or meaningful treatment by 2025.”
The appropriation represents a 60 percent increase in overall funds dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease research, pushing that amount to $936 million in FY’16. In addition, language contained in the budget package calls upon the NIH to consider the burden of this devastating disease when setting its priorities and developing its strategic plan. Doing so would help ensure that scarce research dollars are applied to illnesses—like Alzheimer’s disease—that are of greatest need and scientific opportunity.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a non-profit founded to fill the gap that existed on a national level assuring quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families. AFA unites more than 2,400 member organizations from coast-to-coast that are dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Under AFA’s umbrella, these organizations collaborate on education, resources, best practices and advocacy —all resulting in better care for people affected by the disease. AFA’s services include a national, toll-free helpline staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, professional training, community outreach, free quarterly caregiver magazine, research funding, public advocacy and programmatic services. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook.