WASHINGTON, D.C., September 28, 2017 - Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the appointment of Robert Egge to the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council. Egge serves as the Chief Public Policy Officer of the Alzheimer's Association and the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), the Association's advocacy arm.
The NAPA Advisory Council is a public-private collaboration that provides information and recommendations to HHS on policy solutions that will improve the health outcomes and lives of those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as their caregivers.
"I am honored to join the NAPA Advisory Council and continue to build on the advancements the Council has already made," said Egge. "The Alzheimer's Association and AIM understand the impact this devastating disease has on families and the country. We conceived of the need for the Advisory Council when we worked with Members of Congress to draft and enact NAPA. Since then, we have seen recognition of Alzheimer's as a national priority grow resulting in a significant increase in research funding and the decision by Medicare to cover care planning for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, but the mission of Advisory Council remains as vital as ever."
The Alzheimer's Association and AIM developed NAPA with Congress, resulting in the first National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease with the goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer's by 2025. The Advisory Council was created by that law.
Egge's appointment comes as Alzheimer's Association and AIM President and CEO Harry Johns' tenure ends. In addition to Egge, HHS appointed Reverend Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel to the Advisory Council. Huling Hummel previously served on the Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group. A full list of the new Advisory Council members can be found here.
Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and over 16 million Americans provide unpaid care to these individuals. Our nation's most expensive disease at an estimated cost of $259 billion in 2017, Alzheimer's is the only leading cause of death that cannot prevented, cured or even slowed. Barring the development of a disease modifying treatment or prevention, these numbers are expected to dramatically increase our nation ages.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
