Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., killing approximately 80,000 people each year. According to some estimates, 1 in 3 older people die due to Alzheimer’s and other related dementia.
In 2020, caring for Alzheimer’s patients cost the nation over $305 million, which is expected to increase to $20 trillion (including $15 trillion to Medicaid and Medicare) in the next 40 years. For every $28,000 the federal government spends caring for Alzheimer’s patients, it allocates only $100 for Alzheimer’s disease research.
Considering that Alzheimer’s is the only disease among the top ten causes of death in America with no known cure, Alzheimer’s disease research has become a priority. Being able to conduct quality research is essential in order to identify both its underlying processes to find an effective treatment as well as ways to slow its progress. These undertakings require adequate funding. However, the federal funding of $498 million is inadequate and does not reflect the urgency of the ever increasing number of Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S.
On March 9, 2022, Congress leaders announced an increase of $289 million in the funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia-related research at the National Institute of Health (NIH) for the fiscal year 2022. The primary purposes of this increase are to provide improved care to the patients, create better treatment options, and research ways to prevent the disease.
What Does the Alzheimer’s Research Association Do?
Alzheimer’s Research Association aims to support the caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease by providing the latest news and information regarding Alzheimer’s disease and utilizing its research, donations, and grants to help people stay informed and to help them cope with their emotional and financial difficulties. We work to make the caregiving experience as rewarding as possible for the caregivers.
Caregiving for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can be overwhelming. If you are a caregiver and are struggling with financial or emotional instabilities associated with being a caregiver, then you can contact us (through the link below). We have helpful information and tips regarding caregiving and also provide grants to try to ease your financial burden.
Contact us if you have further questions or if you would like to apply for grants!
