WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2016  - The Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) commends the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee for its proposed $350 million increase for Alzheimer's disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If this increase becomes law, it will mark the second year Congress has taken historic action to increase Alzheimer's disease research funding at the NIH.

"For too long, funding at the NIH for Alzheimer's disease research had been dormant, despite its devastating nature, growing prevalence, and overall economic impact as the nation's most expensive disease," said Robert Egge, AIM Executive Director. "Under Chairman Cole's leadership the subcommittee members have made clear that finding a way to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease is a national priority."

Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, which is the only leading cause of death in the U.S. without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. At an annual cost to taxpayers of $236 billion, Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in the country. Leading experts have stated that a ramp up to at least $2 billion a year in Alzheimer's research funding is necessary to meet the primary goal of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025.

This is the second year the House subcommittee has proposed a substantial funding increase for Alzheimer's disease at the NIH. Last year Congress passed and the president signed into law a $350 million increase, bringing research funding to $991 million. The full House Appropriations Committee may take action on the House Appropriations bill as early as next week.

For more information about the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, visit alzimpact.org.