Hartzler supports act that would allocate $20 million annually for Alzheimer's prevention research and treatment

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

This week Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) supported S. 2076, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. This bill would authorize $20 million annually from FY2020 to FY2024 to address the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Currently 5.7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is only predicted to increase,” said Hartzler, who worked to provide $2.3 billion for Alzheimer’s research in the most recent defense funding bill.

“It is a heartbreaking disease that ravages families and this year alone cost our economy $277 billion in healthcare costs. This legislation advances our efforts towards finding a much-needed cure,” added Hartzler, whose own mother passed away from Alzheimer’s complications in 2015.

Once signed into law, the bill would authorize Health and Human Services (HHS) to award $20 million in grants per year to address Alzheimer’s disease. 

The grants would go to higher education institutions, state health departments and American Indian tribes that are prioritizing the implementation of evidence-based practices, supporting early detection, reducing the risk of hospitalizations and cognitive decline, supporting caregivers, and reducing health disparities.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed the Senate last week and now awaits signature by the President.