UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Welcomes Confirmation of Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2021) - UsAgainstAlzheimer’s issued the following statement by George Vradenburg, chairman and co-founder, on the confirmation today of Xavier Becerra as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“Secretary Becerra’s leadership will be vital to helping the United States meet our national goal of effectively treating and preventing Alzheimer’s by 2025. We welcome his commitment to driving brain health equity by addressing disparities in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in communities of color and by promoting greater inclusion in clinical trials.

“People of color — especially women of color — are on the frontlines of the Alzheimer’s challenge. In fact, by 2030, it’s projected that nearly 40 percent of people living with Alzheimer’s will be Latino or Black.  Our nation needs to bend the curve of Alzheimer’s in these hard-hit communities.

“We also look forward to working with Secretary Becerra to develop a robust national dementia prevention strategy. More than 185 organizations have called for increased focus on clinical and public health interventions that harness the evidence that it is possible to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the first place. Reducing prevalence of the disease through prevention can play a crucial role in helping Secretary Becerra deliver on President Biden’s stated goal of ending Alzheimer’s disease.

“UsAgainstAlzheimer’s thanks those Senators who voted to confirm this important nomination and congratulates Secretary Becerra on his confirmation.”

###

About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

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.