Congress should come together and continue to support Alzheimer’s research

Published 1:30 am Friday, January 6, 2017

I am a caregiver for my beloved husband who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and I am strongly encouraging Sen. Maria Cantwell, who represents Washington state, to ask Congressman Price how he will prioritize fighting this disease should he be confirmed as HHS secretary.

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America, costing an estimated $236 billion in 2016 — of that, more than half, or $160 billion, comes from Medicare and Medicaid. By mid-century, the number of people with the disease is predicted to nearly triple, and the costs of Alzheimer’s disease is projected to more than quadruple to $1.1 trillion.

During the confirmation hearings, I want the Senate to ensure that Congressman Price will continue to follow the recommendations of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, which was mandated by Congress in 2010 and was first released in 2012. This plan set a clear goal — to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. The progress we have made must continue.

Dementia, like the rain, permeates our neighborhoods and communities without regard for whom it touches. This is an opportunity for both parties, Democratic and Republican, to come together and continue to support the research. This will bring hope and optimism for the millions of Americans living with and affected by this disease.

Madeleine Fraley

South Colby