FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jon Summers, [email protected]

Federal Appropriations Bill Includes $289 Million Increase for Alzheimer’s Research at NIH and Funding Major Initiatives Championed by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

Legislation Approved by U.S. House of Representatives, Goes Next to Senate

Washington, DC (March 10, 2022) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s applauds the House-passed bill to fund the federal government that includes significant funding increases for Alzheimer’s research, screening, prevention, and treatments. The bill represents several major victories for Alzheimer’s patients and those who love them.

The 2022 omnibus spending bill also includes $1 billion for creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which will aid in the fight against serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s and cancer.  Modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which was responsible for innovations like the modern internet and GPS, ARPA-H will support research and develop technologies to help tackle our nation’s most pressing health issues including illnesses like Alzheimer’s. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is grateful to Reps. Anna Eshoo, Diana DeGette and Fred Upton, as well as Acting Science Advisor to the President Francis Collins for their leadership and for partnering with us as we work to make ARPA-H a reality.

The spending bill, which covers federal spending through the end of September, also has increased funding for programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

“Today, we move several steps closer to victory over Alzheimer’s. It will take all of us to win the fight against this disease, and with this legislation Congress is demonstrating that they are taking their job seriously when it comes to helping Americans in need. We commend congressional leadership and members like Representatives Anna Eshoo, Rosa DeLauro, Diana DeGette, and Fred Upton, for meeting the current challenge,” said George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “This package represents the highest investment in research to end Alzheimer’s to date and includes multiple priorities we advocated to have included, which is why we urge the U.S. Senate to approve this robust proposal.”

Additionally, the omnibus spending bill funds multiple priorities that UsAgainstAlzheimer’s recommended to congressional leadership, including: 

Screening Tools, Diversity in Clinical Trials, and Funding for the NIH

• A 5% increase in the NIH budget totaling more than $45 billion total, which includes the increase to nearly $3.5 billion for Alzheimer’s research. The $289 million increase was the amount sought by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and other advocates. UsAgainstAlzheimer’s thanks Senators Patty Murray and Roy Blunt as well as Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Tom Cole for persistent increases in Alzheimer’s research funding at NIH.
• Recommendations for NIH to update its analysis of screening tools for Alzheimer’s, including digital screening tools that can reliably detect mild cognitive impairment, and to identify current gaps in the NIH infrastructure aimed at engaging and enrolling underrepresented populations in clinical trials.

Public Health Promotion and Funding for the CDC

• Overall funding for the center increased 5% while Alzheimer’s specific work will receive an additional $10 million, totaling $30,500,000—a 48% increase. CDC’s funding for Alzheimer’s disease public health activities has increased by more than 800% in the last five years alone.

Measuring Cognitive Impairment with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

• CMS to continue to include questions in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey pertaining to mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, and other related dementias, and to add questions on whether beneficiaries have been advised about Alzheimer's and dementia care planning services that are covered under Medicare.

Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research Building

• By directing NIH to name a key research building after Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), this legislation recognizes this extraordinary leader for his unwavering, uncompromising determination to speed medical progress to the benefit of us all.

 “UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has had the privilege of working with Senator Roy Blunt for more than a decade in efforts to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s,” Vradenburg said. “Senator Blunt has been a consistent and committed champion for the acceleration of research progress against this devastating disease. We applaud the decision of NIH to name this building in his honor.”

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About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s exists to conquer Alzheimer’s disease. We take on the toughest problems; bring all of “Us” together to break down barriers; advocate for research that will speed treatments to market; and drive changes that matter most to people living with the disease. We will not rest until brain-span equals lifespan - for everyone.