Thanks Congress for Bipartisan Support for Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Research

Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2020) – George Vradenburg, chairman and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, issued the following statement on the $300 million increase for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health contained in the compromise spending bill for 2021. The legislation would increase research spending to more than $3.1 billion.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic disease crisis that threatens millions of families across our nation, and this expanded spending on NIH research is critical to flatten the curve for the Alzheimer’s pandemic. This $300 million increase will continue breakthrough NIH research and help our nation reach the goal of effective treatments, prevention and a cure for this disease.

“While this is less than the $354 million that had been requested by the Alzheimer’s community and what we believe is needed, we recognize the difficult challenges 2020 has uniquely presented and are grateful that Congress continues on a path to prioritize investment in this rolling and growing pandemic.

“We are especially appreciative of the leadership of Sen. Roy Blunt, R-MO, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS and Education. and Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, the top subcommittee Democrat, in fighting for this needed increase in research funding. We also are thankful for the work on this funding by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-CT, the chairwoman of the House subcommittee and Rep. Tom Cole, R-OK, the ranking Republican.

“We urge the House of Representatives and the Senate to approve this 2021 spending bill and continue the bipartisan support increased investment in research into effective treatments and prevention of this disease.

“President-elect Biden has made curing Alzheimer’s one of his top priorities, and we will work with the new administration and the new Congress next year for continued necessary investments in Alzheimer’s research. Millions of patients, caregivers and families are depending on research breakthroughs to end this disease.”

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