Donna Brazile at The Alzheimer's Action Summit

Each year, hundreds of Alzheimer advocates – people with the disease, caregivers, and family members – from across the nation come to Washington, DC to hone their advocacy skills and then share their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations in meetings with their elected representatives. A unique platform of information sharing and learning, the Alzheimer Action Summit truly represents the best of civic engagement in the American political process.

We are pleased to announce our agenda for 2010 includes remarks from veteran political strategist, author and educator Donna Brazile. In addition to gracing several national publications’ “most powerful lists,” Brazile is also the recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest award for political achievement. A syndicated columnist and political analyst, Brazile was the first African American woman to manage a presidential campaign in 2000 for then Vice President Al Gore. This seasoned politico, best-selling author and regular CNN and NPR contributor will offer attendees invaluable insights about grassroots advocacy from her extensive experience in local, state and national politics.

Please visit alz.org/summit for more information, and to register today.

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

Urgent Alert from the Alzheimer's Association CEO

It is possible that there has never been a moment in America with so much potential to either advance or diminish Alzheimer's research and care. Our nation faces unprecedented times and, with that, comes an unprecedented opportunity to seize this moment and insist our leaders make a greater investment in finding ways to effectively treat, cure, and prevent Alzheimer's disease.

There are an estimated 5 million people who already have Alzheimer's. As many as ten million people care for them. The disease has risen to the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will experience the devastating effects if we don't stop Alzheimer's now. Components of the stimulus package and health care reform could benefit them.

From March 23-25, the Alzheimer's Association will take its fight to Capitol Hill for its annual Public Policy Forum.

It is critical to our mission, to the people we serve, and to society at large to make this Public Policy Forum louder than ever. We need advocates from every state and from every congressional district. We need people with the disease, their caregivers, health care professionals, business leaders, and scientists to raise their voices and educate our policy makers so they know that an investment in Alzheimer's is an investment in the economic health of the nation and the personal health of millions.

The volunteers and staff of the Alzheimer’s Association are working hard to make as much noise as possible about key Alzheimer's issues and to make it as easy as possible for people to attend the Forum. Early-bird discounts and group discounts are available.

Please seize this moment and take an extra step this year by attending the Alzheimer's Association Public Policy Forum in Washington, DC, March 23 - 25. Our elected leaders need to hear your voice.

Never before has so much been at stake nor has time to help families and advance science been more precious. We need to demonstrate both in numbers and in facts why Alzheimer's matters. I look forward to seeing you, and all the others you'll recruit, in Washington.


Harry Johns
President and CEO
Alzheimer's Association

Please contact the Alzheimer's Association at info@alz.org