Association Statement on ASG Report

The Alzheimer's Association commends the independent Alzheimer's Study Group (ASG) on their report released today, “A National Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan: The Report of the Alzheimer’s Study Group”. The report explains the looming national crisis created by Alzheimer’s disease and offers real solutions for the nation.

Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns, along with members of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease called for the creation of the Alzheimer’s Study Group in July of 2007. Today the Alzheimer's Association is pleased to receive the report on behalf of the larger Alzheimer community.

“You can be assured that the Alzheimer’s Association will play a leading role in seeking the enactment of the core recommendations present in the ASG report, says Johns, “There must be an investment in Alzheimer’s proportionate to the current and future impact of the disease. This investment must be far more than the grossly inadequate funding today.”

The ASG report confirms that we will spend nearly $20 trillion on Alzheimer’s by the middle of the century. That’s equal to 25 stimulus bills — more than one stimulus sized bill every other year between now and then.

Johns continues, “For the federal government, state government and families – the economic impact of Alzheimer’s is devastating. We must seize the solutions presented in the ASG report and invest in initiatives that result in better coordinated care, more supportive services for families and ultimately the prevention of the disease. An investment in Alzheimer’s is not only good social policy, it is an economic necessity.”

The Alzheimer's Association also thanks ASG co-chairs Former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Former Senator Bob Kerrey, ASG members Christine Cassel, Meryl Comer, Steven E. Hyman, Henry McCance, Mark McClellan, Sandra Day O’Connor, James Runde, David Satcher, and Harold Varmus, and ASG Executive Director Robert Egge for their outstanding work.

The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

Contact:
Alzheimer's Association
Media line: 312.335.4078
E-mail: media@alz.org