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Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed every 69 seconds and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Unless something is done, as many as 16 million Americans will develop the disease in 2050.
As National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month comes to a close, those of us involved directly with the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region have been busy reaching out to our congressional representatives.
There are currently two important bills that need the full support of all our federal officials.
Over the next 40 years, caring for people with Alzheimer’s will cost Americans $20 trillion, including $15 trillion to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Although many scientists believe we have reached the tipping point on Alzheimer’s research, we do not have the commitment from the federal government. The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act would make Alzheimer’s research a priority for the National Institutes of Health and require it to report back to Congress on progress.
The Health, Outcomes Planning and Education Act (HOPE Act) would provide Medicare coverage for a package of services including clinical diagnosis of the disease, care planning, and require documentation of this diagnostic evaluation and care planning in the patient’s primary medical record. Currently it is estimated that as many as half of the people meeting the criteria for a diagnosis never receive one. Early diagnosis and access to services leads to better outcomes for people suffering from Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers.
Please join with us in letting our elected officials in Washington know that finding a treatment or a cure for Alzheimer’s disease must be made a priority and to support these two critical pieces of legislation.
Rosia Johnson and Candace Ryan
Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer Advocates
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed every 69 seconds and is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Unless something is done, as many as 16 million Americans will develop the disease in 2050.
As National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month comes to a close, those of us involved directly with the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region have been busy reaching out to our congressional representatives.
There are currently two important bills that need the full support of all our federal officials.
Over the next 40 years, caring for people with Alzheimer’s will cost Americans $20 trillion, including $15 trillion to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Although many scientists believe we have reached the tipping point on Alzheimer’s research, we do not have the commitment from the federal government. The Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act would make Alzheimer’s research a priority for the National Institutes of Health and require it to report back to Congress on progress.
The Health, Outcomes Planning and Education Act (HOPE Act) would provide Medicare coverage for a package of services including clinical diagnosis of the disease, care planning, and require documentation of this diagnostic evaluation and care planning in the patient’s primary medical record. Currently it is estimated that as many as half of the people meeting the criteria for a diagnosis never receive one. Early diagnosis and access to services leads to better outcomes for people suffering from Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers.
Please join with us in letting our elected officials in Washington know that finding a treatment or a cure for Alzheimer’s disease must be made a priority and to support these two critical pieces of legislation.
Rosia Johnson and Candace Ryan
Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer Advocates
