Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Kit Bond today joined representatives of the Alzheimer's Association and members of Congress to emphasize the importance of increasing federal investments in Alzheimer's research now.

“Today’s report adds one more compelling reason why Congress must act now.” said Senator Kit Bond. “We are on the brink of major Alzheimer’s breakthroughs, but in order to save lives and money, we must not lose momentum.”

The Alzheimer's Association released the results of a study by the Lewin Group, which shows that breakthroughs in research could result in substantive disease and federal spending reductions. The study details that breakthroughs could mean nearly three million fewer Americans with Alzheimer's disease and $149 billion in annual Medicare and Medicaid savings by 2025.

Last week Senators Bond and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) introduced the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004 – legislation that would double the funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health. The bipartisan bill, which currently has 53 cosponsors, will also provide critical support for caregivers and launch a public education campaign to get the word out on the latest advances in research and prevention.

Bond stressed that this bill, by doubling federal spending on Alzheimer's research, will accelerate the rapid pace of scientific discovery and h help scientists build on the tremendous progress that has already been made.

In May, Bond's Aging Subcommittee of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the state of Alzheimer's research. Bond noted that experts from some of our nation's most renowned research institutions emphasized the need for funding at this crucial point.

"This bill will serve as a living tribute to President Reagan and will offer hope to all those suffering from the disease today,” said Senator Kit Bond. “As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Ronald Reagan, it is critical that we move quickly to pass this bill and put and end to this expanding public health crisis.”