Obama: “We Can’t Wait”—Makes $50 Million Available for Alzheimer’s Research

The Obama Administration announced in early February its latest steps in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, which includes immediately making available an additional $50 million for cutting-edge research along with an additional $26 million in caregiver support, provider education, public awareness and improvements in data infrastructure.

Further, the 2013 budget will include higher funding for Alzheimer’s research, with an additional $80 million.

“Today’s announcement reflects this administration’s commitment to confronting Alzheimer’s, a disease that takes a devastating toll on millions of Americans,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “We can’t wait to act; reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease on patients and their families is an urgent national priority.”

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Back in January, President Obama signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, with a preliminary framework for the national plan that identifies key goals including preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.

The funding announcements add up to $130 million in new Alzheimer’s research funding for 2012 and 2013, more than 25% more than the current annual research investment.

Written by Alyssa Gerace

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