USA2 SPOTLIGHT

A July 6, 2020 UsAgainstAlzheimer’s statement from UsA2 Chairman George Vradenburg addressed the proposed increase in federal dollars for Alzheimer’s research. According to Vradenburg, “The $2.9 billion in total Alzheimer’s research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposed by the House appropriations subcommittee is an extremely disappointing increase of only $35 million over last year… After major Alzheimer’s research appropriations increases over the past several years… our nation is seeing strong signs of progress. We now have the first Alzheimer’s drug in 15 years expected to be filed for FDA review this year. We remain hopeful for continued advances, but acknowledge that success depends heavily on financial commitments from Congress for Alzheimer’s research.”

A June 29, 2020 Psychology Today article explored the intersection between racial disparities and health equity in dementia care in the U.S. Author, motivational speaker and UsA2 advocate Loretta Veney experienced a blend of racism and ageism when receiving her mom’s dementia diagnosis. And she is not alone. According to LatinosAgainstAlzheimer's Coalition lead Jason Resendez, “…We know that racial discrimination shapes one’s access to the healthcare system and to research opportunities, placing people of color at a much greater disadvantage in combating Alzheimer’s through early detection, preventative health measures, and research participation… For these reasons, health equity must be a priority in our response to Alzheimer’s at the community level and nationally.”  

(ICYMI) A June 25, 2020 Healthy Women article looked at ways that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and environment can keep a brain cognitively fit, and decrease the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is especially important for African American and Latino women. According to the article, ""African-Americans are roughly twice as likely to have the disease, and Latinos are one and a half times more likely," said Brooks Kenny, executive director of WomenAgainstAlzheimer's at UsAgainstAlzheimer's. "Overall, women and women of color pay the majority of the direct cost of Alzheimer's, and it's estimated they bear 80% of the disease's total economic burden, including medical costs, elder care and assisted living.””