An end to Alzheimer’s disease

Note: This page is a reproduction of the Hillary for America policy proposal on an end to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It’s the only cause of death in the top 10 that we can’t prevent, cure, or even delay.

As the population of our country ages, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s is expected to grow to nearly 15 million Americans—and could cost more than $1 trillion per year—by 2050.

As president, Hillary will:

  • Commit to preventing, effectively treating, and making a cure possible for Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.
  • Invest $2 billion per year in research for Alzheimer’s and related disorders, the level leading researchers have determined necessary to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s and make a cure possible by 2025.
  • Make sure that funding is reliable and consistent so researchers can work steadily toward effective treatment.
  • Put the best and brightest on the case. Hillary will appoint a top-flight team of research and health experts to oversee this ambitious initiative.

Alzheimer’s disease affects a growing number of Americans and their families. To support those families, Hillary will:

  • Make it easier for families and individuals with Alzheimer’s to get the care they need. Medicare should cover comprehensive Alzheimer’s care-planning sessions and the cost of properly documenting every diagnosis and care plan.
  • Help protect loved ones who wander. Hillary will work with Congress to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program to help find individuals who are reported missing.
  • Ensure our seniors are aware and can take advantage of their Medicare benefits.Hillary will direct the Social Security Administration to raise awareness about the wellness visits, cognitive screenings, and other preventive benefits covered by Medicare.

Hillary’s plan builds on her long record of working across the aisle on behalf of patients and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease:

  • In the U.S. Senate, she consistently pushed for greater funding for Alzheimer’s research, including federally funded stem cell research.
  • She also co-chaired the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and introduced legislation to restore funding for the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Contact Center and for Alzheimer’s disease demonstration grants.