MUST READS 

A June 7, 2016 Edmond Sun opinion piece by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) underscored his commitment to finding solutions for Alzheimer’s. According to Rep. Cole, “Like many others across the United States, my family understands firsthand the toll that Alzheimer’s disease takes on those suffering with it and on their caregivers. What starts out as slight memory loss eventually leads to disappearing personalities and then no recollection of the people and memories that once filled an individual’s life. I remember how painful it was to see that happen to my father during the last several years of his life. Given my experience, I remain committed to helping find solutions to defeat the disease —for patients, caregivers and the entire country…As we continue working through the appropriations process for this year, I look forward to building on the significant progress already made to confront Alzheimer’s. I remain hopeful that the recent investments in research dollars will lead to answers, solutions and taxpayer savings. Certainly, if we do more than treat symptoms and seek solutions, the entire nation will be better off.”

A June 7, 2016 The Washington Times opinion piece by Newt Gingrich highlighted his support for Sen. Roger Wicker’s EUREKA Act to fight Alzheimer’s. According to Gingrich, “As we continue working through the appropriations process for this year, I look forward to building on the significant progress already made to confront Alzheimer’s. I remain hopeful that the recent investments in research dollars will lead to answers, solutions and taxpayer savings. Certainly, if we do more than treat symptoms and seek solutions, the entire nation will be better off…I was delighted when Mr. Wicker introduced the EUREKA Act, applying these principles to the urgent task of Alzheimer’s research. It’s equally encouraging that a bipartisan group of 46 senators joined him in cosponsoring the bill, including Sens. Kelly Ayotte, John Barrasso, Thom Tillis, Mark Kirk, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz. If you believe we need better research to cure Alzheimer’s at a lower cost, call or email your U.S. Senators and urge them to support the EUREKA Act today.”

A June 7, 2016 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article reported on the Senate’s move to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and for Alzheimer’s research. According to the article, “A Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies subcommittee, chaired by Roy Blunt, R-Mo., passed a fiscal 2017 bill that is $270 million lower than current year spending, but raises spending for the National Institutes of Health research on precision medicine, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. It also boosts funding on programs targeting opioid abuse by $126 million.”

A June 7, 2016 NextAvenue.org article reported that a new study suggests the earliest sign of Alzheimer’s diseases is trouble with navigation. According to the article, “Long before a clinical diagnosis is possible, new research finds, Alzheimer’s patients have trouble finding their way around new surroundings. Study participants were asked to learn and navigate a maze on a computer, using wallpaper patterns and various landmarks as their guides. Those with preclinical Alzheimer’s found it harder to learn the locations of objects in the maze.”