Recognizing World Alzheimer's Month

Floor Speech

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's Disease.

As we recognize September as World Alzheimer's Month, I want to thank the many advocates, caregivers, and health professionals who provide support for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, and the medical researchers who are working so hard to discover better treatments and cures. I especially want to recognize the work of the Alzheimer's Association, including the Greater Illinois Chapter, that is working to reduce stigma and eliminate Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the only cause of death among the top 10 that today cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. Every 68 seconds, an American develops Alzheimer's Disease. It is estimated that this year, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease, including 210,000 people aged 65 or older in Illinois. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of those afflicted with Alzheimer's and their families, there are immense costs associated with caring for those with Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Association not only makes critical investments into Alzheimer's research but also provides support groups, education programs, and other resources to patients, caregivers, and families. More than 15 million Americans will provide unpaid care valued at $210 billion to individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's and other dementias. As the co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, I am committed to accelerating our efforts to help patients and caregivers.

Today, September 21, is ``Go Purple'' day to highlight the need to end Alzheimer's. I hope that we also remember today that Congress needs to act to help meet that goal, while also making sure that individuals living with Alzheimer's and those who care for them receive the assistance they need and deserve. Last May, the first ever National Alzheimer's Plan was released, laying out the needs and the opportunities before us--in public education, treatment, support services, and research. We need to adopt their positive recommendations, but we also need to make sure that we move forward, not backwards.

We cannot make short-sighted cuts to medical research, including the National Institutes of Health, that will delay the discovery of new treatments and cures. This year, it will cost $200 billion, including $140 billion from Medicare and Medicaid, to provide care for those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. This cost is estimated to soar to $1.1 trillion by 2050. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would be devastating to Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, and arbitrary cuts to Older Americans Act programs will leave individuals and caregivers without the supports they need.

I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me to recognize September as World Alzheimer's Month and commit to developing and implementing strategies to address Alzheimer's disease.

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