— Members urge NIH to remain steadfast against Alzheimer’s —
Washington, D.C., March 5, 2025 — During today’s confirmation hearing for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director nominee Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, bipartisan support for addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia was on full display. Throughout the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, members reaffirmed their commitment to the Alzheimer’s and dementia community, while also sounding the alarm about the impact NIH cuts will have on progress.
“As members of Congress and federal officials discuss the importance of addressing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, it is crucial for them to understand both the challenges of this fatal disease and the advancements we’ve made,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM). “Thank you to these bipartisan congressional champions for their enduring commitment to the dementia community.”
Members on both sides of the aisle urged Dr. Bhattacharya to advance, not stop, our nation’s progress against this devastating disease. On behalf of their constituents — caregivers, people living with dementia and researchers — they expressed concern about the far-reaching impact of cuts and changes at the NIH, just as the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM have done.
At the same time, harmful myths about Alzheimer’s, including the new Alzheimer’s treatments, were repeated.
“The allegation that Alzheimer’s research is focused on amyloid to the exclusion of other targets is wrong. The NIH, the Alzheimer’s Association and other funders are exploring a vast range of biological mechanisms and clinical interventions,” said Dr. Pike. “And we continue to make progress toward better detection, prevention, treatment and ultimately cures, thanks to scientific advances across multiple fronts.”
The Alzheimer’s Association looks forward to continuing our longstanding bipartisan collaboration with Congress to combat Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, as well as with NIH leadership. Working together, we can support ongoing research, translate science into meaningful care and support, promote brain health, and ultimately find cures.
