3 Steps to Fight Alzheimer's

(Adapted from remarks made at a hearing sponsored by Congressman Steve Israel, D-NY) First, the federal government must re-prioritize its spending to make a stronger commitment to fund Alzheimer’s research. Four years ago, Congress declared War on Alzheimer’s by enacting the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which in turn required our nation to develop a national plan to attack this disease. This plan established as Goal One preventing and treating Alzheimer’s by 2025. But, unfortunately, Congress never authorized any additional money for Alzheimer’s research when it created NAPA. Since we declared War on HIV/AIDS about 25 years ago, our federal

My New Year’s “Wish List” for a National Alzheimer’s Agenda

As a caregiver for my wife, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in 2009 at the age of 63, here’s my brief “wish list” for a national Alzheimer’s agenda. Funding changes: First and foremost, our leaders in Congress must make Alzheimer’s a priority in the FY2014 budget by increasing funding for treatment and NIH research. Beyond that, the government must also provide funding for states to disburse to local research labs working on neurodegenerative diseases. Funding should also subsidize clinical trials for potentially new AD medications, but medication labels must note that medication was proven effective only for the number of

The NFL and Alzheimer's - Go Purple

Some of the most watched TV programs each year are NFL games and such large audiences give the NFL a tremendous opportunity to use its broadcasts for public service. To their credit, since 2009 the NFL has used October broadcasts to support breast cancer awareness and help raise money for research. Football players show their support by wearing pink on their uniforms and using pink equipment . Having lost my mother to cancer, and with relatives currently dealing with cancer, I applaud this NFL leadership role and enjoy seeing lots of pink on my TV screen this month. Another opportunity