US government approves $122 million increase in funding for Alzheimer’s

Posted under Blog on January 16th, 2014 by Editorial Team / No Comments

Earlier this week the United States government recognised the critical need to address the Alzheimer’s epidemic by approving a funding increase of $122 million. This is the largest ever increase in the US for funding dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

"By allotting $122 million to Alzheimer's research, care and support services, President Obama and Congress are acknowledging the magnitude of the Alzheimer's crisis and need for greater investment," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association's vice president of public policy.

The increase in funding for Alzheimer’s disease is mostly allocated to research into new treatments, with more than $100 million assigned to the National Institute on Aging. The work of caregivers has also been recognised, as over $13 million has been designated to expanding home and community-based caregiver services. The remaining sum goes towards raising awareness and community outreach programmes.

Additionally, the National Institute of Health’s BRAIN initiative will receive $30 million to aid brain research. The project attempts to increase our understanding of the human brain that could impact several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

There are currently more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050, according the Alzheimer's Association 2013 Facts & Figures report. It is estimated that Alzheimer's costs the US $203 billion annually, with projections that it could reach $1.2 trillion by 2050.

Tags: Alzheimer's funding, Brain, Fiscal budget, Obama, US

 

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