There was some relief for Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease in July when the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to renew two bills focused on research. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA) now go to the House of Representatives for a vote in September.
National Alzheimer’s Project Act
This bill exists to make sure the federal government is charged with supporting research on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia diagnoses. The research aims to promote healthy aging and reduce risk factors associated with cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act
This partner bill ensures there will be money to fund the research. Every year the National Institutes of Health will submit a budget to Congress estimating what it will need for the National Alzheimer’s Project. Dementia is just one of three areas of biomedical research that has a special budget dedicated to research.
What This Means for You
These bills flew through the Senate without changes. If the House does the same, they will provide ongoing federal support for Alzheimer’s and dementia-focused research through 2035.
NAPA was originally signed into law in 2011 and AAIA was enacted in 2014. The initial goal of NAPA was to develop a plan to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.
These renewals are meant to build on the breakthroughs researchers already made. To date, NAPA research has discovered more than 70 genetic areas associated with Alzheimer’s disease, improved scientists’ understanding of how the disease affects the brain, improved diagnostic testing, found new drugs and therapies to study, and paved the way to prevention, according to the National Institute on Aging.
The new version of NAPA adds a recognition that dementia research needs to include studies that focus on improving outcomes for people with developmental disabilities, like Down syndrome.
“These two bills will maintain our momentum and make sure that we do not take our foot off the pedal just as our investments in basic research are beginning to translate into potential new treatments,” said Maine Senator Susan Collins, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease
For those who wish to dive deeper into the specifics of these bills, you can check them out here: NAPA AAIA
If you have concerns about early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementia disorders, Lizzy Care is here to assist. Our experts can provide guidance, support, and care planning tailored to your needs.
