Alzheimers Updates

We all have absentminded moments. Someone told me that if you forget your keys, that is probably absent-mindedness, but it is something else if you forget the car.

As the numbers of seniors grows, and the baby-boomers swell our ranks, the cases of impaired cognition are going to rise. In January, President signed the National Alzheimer's Project Act with the intent of coordinating research and funding for our national efforts to control and treat this modern day scourge.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services A(www.hhs.gov)announced an additional $50 million dollars would be available for "cutting-edge" research this year. The President's action also includes an additional $26 million for "caregiver support, provider education,public awareness and improvements in data infrastructure.

There will be an advisory council to help define goals to treat and cure Alzheimers by 2025.

More than 5 million persons currently are being treated for Alzheimers. By 2050, the number is likely to be twice that, with accompanied demands on caregivers. Most patients stay with family caregivers as alternate facilities are too expensive for many Americans.

Over 2012 and 2013 funding will total $130 million for research, up 25% from previous appropriation.

Some current research is truly exciting, like the 72 hour injection that sloughed off plaque from lab mice, leaving them dramatically rejuvenated. Other medications are also promising...and some current standards are coming up blanks.

We are wondering what the impact of "baby boomers" and their numbers will have on various infrastructure and services and this is one area that the current Administration seems to be paying attention to.

One last note: There is also a sizeable amount to be dedicated to provider training. This field of education is growning because it is certain that the need will be there. This is a very promising direction for students to consider when choosing a career.

Just maybe someone in Washington "gets it."

People rock.