This disease affects millions of Americans, and as the Senate co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I remain committed to improving treatment and ultimately finding a cure or a means of preventing Alzheimer's. I recently joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the "Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005," which will provide increased funding for Alzheimer''s disease research and additional support for Alzheimer''s patients and their families.
Ronald Reagan had a profound effect on our nation in many ways during his presidency. But what many of us will remember most is the grace and dignity with which he and his wife Nancy faced the final battle against Alzheimer's -- the one campaign they knew he could not win.
Ironically, it was President Reagan who first drew national attention to Alzheimer's disease when he launched a national campaign against the disease some 22 years ago. In 1983, President Reagan proclaimed November as National Alzheimer's Disease Month. In his proclamation, President Reagan said: "The emotional, financial, and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease are so devastating that it deserves attention. Science and clinical medicine are striving to improve our understanding of what causes Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it successfully. Right now, research is the only hope for victims and their families."
An estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, more than double the number in 1980. Moreover, the United States spends more than $100 billion per year in costs associated with Alzheimer's disease, primarily for nursing home and other long-term care costs. This figure will only increase exponentially as the baby boomer generation ages. As the baby boomers move into the years of highest risk for Alzheimer's disease, a strong and sustained research effort is our best tool to slow down the progression and prevent the onset of this terrible disease.
Our investments in Alzheimer's disease research have begun to pay dividends. Effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and a possible vaccine are tantalizingly within our grasp. Moreover, if scientists can find a way to delay the onset of this devastating disease for even five years, our nation will save at least $50 billion in annual health and long-term care costs—and an incalculable amount in human suffering.
If we are to keep up the momentum we have established, we must increase our investment in Alzheimer's disease research. Millions of Americans, including the families of Alzheimer patients, are profoundly grateful for our historic accomplishment of doubling funding for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health. The "Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act" doubles the authorization levels for Alzheimer's research at the NIH from the current funding level of $700 million to $1.4 million. We have made tremendous progress, but more must be done.
In addition to increasing funding for research, this bill provides much needed support for Alzheimer's patients and their families by increasing funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program and by providing a tax credit of up to $3,000 to help families meet the costs of caring for a loved one with long-term care needs.
The Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005 will serve as a living tribute to President Reagan and will offer hope to all of those suffering from the disease today. It is my hope that through increased funding we can make further progress in finding the cause and developing a cure for this heart-breaking disease.
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