Concerned about the need for Alzheimer's research? Here's your chance to tell the government what you think. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is asking for your opinion about the historic draft of the first "National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease," which was released on February 22nd.
You can read it for yourself on the HHS web site here: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/#DraftNatlPlan. A statement on the site about the ambitious goal of overcoming Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias says: "We look forward to receiving comments from the public on this proposed plan." The statement goes on to explain that the draft "offers specific action steps to accelerate research on treatment and prevention, as well as proposals for improving care, services, and support for patients, families, and caregivers."
The draft will be refined, partly in consideration of your comments, but the Obama Administration has already taken action. An official announcement revealed that an additional $50 million will be available for cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research in fiscal year 2012. Beyond that, the President’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget will raise funding for Alzheimer’s research by $80 million, plus $26 million for caregiver support, provider education, public awareness, and improvements in data infrastructure.
Public comments will be accepted through March 30, 2012. You can email yours to napa@hhs.gov in order to help make a difference in the fight against the ravages of cognitive decline.
