Washington, D.C. (January 20, 2026) – Today, the House and Senate Committees on appropriations released their final bipartisan FY2026 Labor–Health and Human Services–Education appropriations bill. Russ Paulsen, Chief Operating Officer at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, issued the following statement in response:  

“Ending Alzheimer’s disease depends on continued progress in medical research and public health efforts to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, both of which require sustained and robust federal investment. We applaud the bipartisan decision to increase funding at National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $415 million, advancing a strong overall funding level in FY2026. At a time when critical health programs faced real threats, this decision protects hard-won progress and keeps lifesaving research moving forward.

“We are especially encouraged that this package includes an additional $100 million for research at NIH for Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias. This commitment signals that Congress recognizes the urgency of the Alzheimer’s crisis and the urgent need to find a cure. As the population ages and the number of people living with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, expanding research funding is essential to drive discoveries that can prevent, detect, and treat this devastating disease—and to bring families closer to the breakthroughs they urgently need.

“For millions of Americans and their families, research funding for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias is not abstract—it determines whether new treatments reach patients, whether diagnoses come earlier, and whether families have real hope for slowing or preventing this disease. Every year of sustained investment brings us closer to effective therapies, better care, and ultimately a cure.

“We also appreciate Congress’s strong support for continuing the vital work done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Alzheimer’s program and for increasing the program by $2 million for FY26. CDC’s work to reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer’s, promote brain health, and support state and community responses is a critical complement to biomedical research. As Congress moves forward, we urge the Administration to restore the staffing capacity and expertise needed for CDC to fully carry out the work under the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed into law in November of 2024. 

“Finally, we urge Congress to carry this progress through final passage and enact a full-year spending bill that delivers sustained investment and real progress for patients, families, and caregivers nationwide.”

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About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s


UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Our work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and equal access to treatments regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve our mission, we give voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations—the people who put the “Us” in UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

Contact: Chantez Bailey [email protected]