Opinions Healthcare Focus: Alzheimer's Alzheimer’s: Moving Forward
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Journalists taking part in the National Press Foundation’s Alzheimer’s fellowship traveled to Capitol Hill Dec. 8 to hear the status of proposed Alzheimer’s legislation. Movement on the National Alzheimer’s Project Act is expected within a couple of weeks. The United States is the only developed nation without a plan for Alzheimer’s. PHOTOS BY: KAREN GENTRY  |
After four days of information and presentations about Alzheimer’s, I’m impressed with the caliber of experts and the potential of a multi-pronged approach with research and support for the disease.
Alzheimer’s presents a plethora of issues—the massive Baby Boomer generation reaching their milestone 65th birthday in droves, the devastation on families, lost wages and reduced Social Security payments of caregivers, loss of work productivity, high costs of nursing home care, need for more research dollars and a host of ethical issues.
Our group of journalists traveled to Capitol Hill today to hear updates on the status of proposed legislation on Alzheimer’s. Movement on the National Alzheimer’s Project Act should happen in a couple of weeks, according to Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA). NAPA will create a national strategic plan for the Alzheimer’s disease crisis and an inter-agency council to coordinate efforts in Alzheimer’s-related care, services and research.
The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act authorizes $2 billion for Alzheimer’s disease research at the National Institute of Health. (Deaths from Alzheimer’s disease increased 46.1 percent from 2000-2006 while at the same time deaths from breast and prostate cancer, strokes, and HIV/AIDS decreased.) The Health Outcomes, Planning and Education for Alzheimer’s Act (HOPE) will increase detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and provide access to information and support for newly diagnosed patients and their families.
It’s all challenging. I am moved by my experience here in Washington, D.C. and with my personal connection to the disease, I am inspired to inform others about the disease to help families and employers prepare.
When will we have a breakthrough? My best guess is that a new drug or drug combination will come in about a decade.
Those predisposed or in the very early stages of the disease could be able to be tested, and if positive for amyloids or other Alzheimer’s characteristics, be able to take the drug or drugs to prevent the disease. In the meantime, keep that blood pressure down, and your diabetes under control (physical activity and a Mediterranean diet can’t hurt either). Encourage or take part in family intervention should the disease makes its unwelcome entrance into your life. Delaying the onset of the disease and avoiding early admittance to nursing homes will go a long way toward stopping the runaway train that is intent on wreaking emotional and financial havoc in this country and around the world.