As scientists continue research to identify a way to prevent, cure, or slow the progression of Alzheimer's, public health gives us the ability to intervene and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease, and reduce future risk. From the promotion of the flu shot to anti-tobacco campaigns, public health interventions have a long history of improving health outcomes, reducing risk, and reducing the burden on the health care system.

The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (S. 2076/H.R. 4256) would for the first time develop a nationwide public health response to Alzheimer's to address what former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher called "the most under-recognized threat to public health in the 21st century."

This critical, bipartisan legislation would create an Alzheimer's public health infrastructure across the country to implement effective Alzheimer's interventions focused on public health actions such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk and preventing avoidable hospitalizations.

Today more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, yet as many as half have not been diagnosed. A formal diagnosis can have an immense impact on access to Alzheimer's treatments, eligibility for research trials, plus much-needed support and information services. Through effective public health interventions, we can educate the public and the medical community about the warning signs of possible dementia and the benefits of early diagnosis.

Additionally, growing scientific consensus has concluded that healthy living - regular physical activity, attention to heart health, and preventing head injuries - can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

Seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias have twice as many hospital stays each year as those without Alzheimer's and other dementias. Yet, most of these hospitalizations are preventable with better quality care. In 2006-2008, among adults aged 65 and over with diagnosed Alzheimer's and other dementias, 25.3 percent of hospitalizations were preventable.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act would achieve these priorities through increased implementation of the Healthy Brain Initiative's Public Health Road Map. Specifically, the bill would establish Alzheimer's centers of excellence across the country and fund state, local and tribal public health departments to increase early detection and diagnosis, reduce risk, prevent avoidable hospitalizations, reduce health disparities, support the needs of caregivers and support care planning for people living with the disease. These important public health actions allow individuals with Alzheimer's to live in their homes longer and delay costly institutionalized care.

The legislation would also increase the collection, analysis and timely reporting of cognitive decline and caregiving data. This data is critical to identifying opportunities for public health interventions, helping stakeholders track progress in the public health response, and enabling state and federal policymakers to make informed decisions when developing plans and policies.

In 2005, the Alzheimer's Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered to create and launch the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) and developed the Public Health Road Map. The HBI Road Map includes actions for state and local public health departments to promote cognitive functioning, address cognitive impairment and help meet the needs of caregivers. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act would increase implementation of the HBI Road Map nationwide.

Addressing health issues on a community level is a proven way to protect and improve the health and safety of Americans. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act will help create population-level change, achieve a higher quality of life for those living with the disease and their caregivers, and reduce associated costs.

Please join the Alzheimer's Association and AIM to grow support for the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. Take action today.