Urged the Federal members of the Council to actively and strongly support the unanimous recommendation of non-federal members that a 6th goal to Reduce the Burden of Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias be added to the National Plan

Washington, D.C. (October 25, 2021) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Founding Chair George Vradenburg today issued a call to action: update the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) to add a focus on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. His remarks as prepared are below:

Thank you for this opportunity to speak to this Council.

On behalf of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, I want to take this opportunity to urge the Federal members of this Council to actively and strongly support the unanimous recommendation of your non-federal members that a 6th goal to Reduce the Burden of Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias be added to the National Plan.

When the Plan was developed ten years ago, it set this nation on a course to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias by 2025. As a member of the inaugural Advisory Council, I can testify that we expected that the strategies to achieve that goal would evolve as new science and technologies emerged, as they have in the field of risk reduction science.

An aggressive 15% per decade reduction in key risk factors could result in as many as 1.2 million fewer people with Alzheimer’s in 2050. This estimate is rooted in scientific advances reported by the Lancet Commission and other researchers.

There is broad consensus on the need for this recommendation. Hundreds of groups support the proposed risk reduction goal - UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Heart Association, the Southern Leadership Conference, the YMCA, AARP, UnidosUS, the Milken Institute, the list goes on. Ten years ago, an international group of scientists recommended we do this. And yet, some still say, not yet, we need more time. 

Hear this: now is the time to act — families are waiting for action.  Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, particularly for those who are at greatest risk — communities of color, women and low-income populations. 

In 2012, this country led the world in establishing the 2025 goal. We can — and we should — lead the world again by adopting your Risk Reduction Subcommittee’s recommendation. 

Thank you for your continued service to our families and to our Country.

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UsAgainstAlzheimer’s exists to conquer Alzheimer’s disease. We take on the toughest problems; bring all of “Us” together to break down barriers; advocate for research that will speed treatments to market; and drive changes that matter most to people living with the disease. We will not rest until brain-span equals lifespan - for everyone.