WASHINGTON, D.C., September 26, 2018 - Following the same action by the U.S. Senate, today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $425 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The increase now moves to the White House where it is expected to be signed into law in the coming days, bringing the total annual budget for Alzheimer's and dementia research to $2.3 billion for 2019.
"Today's action by the U.S. House and the recent action by the Senate reflect broad, bipartisan commitment to decisively address one of our nation's highest impact public health issues through research," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) President and CEO.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the most expensive disease in the nation. In 2017, 16 million Americans provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care valued at more than $323 billion. To address staggering statistics like these, the federal government has taken great strides to focus on the needs of those affected by Alzheimer's through efforts such as more than quadrupling research funding since 2011.
"We appreciate the steadfast work of Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), two longtime champions in the fight to end Alzheimer's," continued Johns. "Their leadership to accelerate funding will allow crucial research to advance at a faster pace."
The House Appropriations Committee Labor-HHS budget, passed in July, included a $401 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH. The Senate's bill included a $425 million increase. Working together, bipartisan leaders finalized the increase at the higher amount, consistent with the request of the Alzheimer's Association and AIM.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
