WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, in a bipartisan effort, Congressman Brett Guthrie and his colleague Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced H.R. 4351, the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act.

H.R. 4351 seeks to ensure that the research and resources needed to find a cure for Alzheimer's are properly conveyed to Congress.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans are currently living with the disease, and someone develops the disease every 67 seconds.  It is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Alzheimer’s is the costliest disease in America, with a direct cost of roughly $200 billion, most of which is paid by Medicare and Medicaid.  The National Institutes of Health is projected to invest more than half a billion dollars in Alzheimer’s research in FY2014, and this legislation will ensure that the priorities and goals to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s are clear, ensuring the limited federal dollars are being best spent.

“Eleven percent of Kentucky’s seniors are living with Alzheimer’s,” said Congressman Guthrie.  "We must continue the valuable research so we can treat and hopefully cure those living with the disease, and protect future generations from the devastation it causes.”

“Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects those diagnosed as well as their families and robs us of our loved ones,” said Congressman Tonko.  “Far too often we hear stories of family, friends, neighbors and loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s.  I look forward to continuing my work with Congressman Guthrie to see that this bipartisan legislation gets a vote on the House floor.  We must invest in a cure for this terrible disease by funding critical research.”

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