Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging but age is an indicator of when this disease strikes. The vast majority of people with AD are 65 or older. However, early-onset Alzheimer’s, accounting for about 5% of all AD cases, affects patients who are in their 40’s. There is no cure for this disease which worsens as it progresses and eventually leads to death. Alzheimer's disease is now America’s sixth leading cause of death, taking the lives of an estimated 122,000 Americans each year. Alzheimer's patients live an average of 8 years after their symptoms become noticeable to others. More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease today but many of these people have never been diagnosed. Our baby boom generation has reached the age when Alzheimer’s symptoms begin to appear. It is expected that by 2050, the number of AD sufferers will total at least 16 million Americans. Researchers say advancements in imaging and screening technology are now enabling earlier diagnosis of this disease, and that initiating treatment before patients experience serious loss of function may soon result in much better outcomes for sufferers of this insidious disease.

Pending legislation: S.626 - Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act
Sponsor: Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Status: Senate Committee on Finance
Chairperson: Sen. Ron Wyden (OR)