Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2019) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s today applauded the introduction of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act by a bipartisan group of legislators led by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Other sponsors of the bill were Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Doug Jones (D-AL). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY) and Congressman Peter King (R-NY). The legislation would ensure the availability of programs and services for those with Alzheimer’s by allowing patients younger than age 60 to access them.

“The terrible progression of Alzheimer’s does not discriminate by age, and Americans younger than 60 who are battling this disease must have access to every resource available to them,” said Kelly O’Brien, executive director of the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Brain Health Partnership. “We thank Senator Collins and the other Members of Congress who introduced this critically important legislation, which will make a big difference in the lives of the 200,000 Americans suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s.”

“To continue fighting the devastation of Alzheimer’s, especially when it is early-onset, promoting brain health must become a national priority. Proactive, preventive steps taken at every stage of life can benefit brain health, delay cognitive decline, and increase cognitive resilience” added O’Brien. “We now know that indications of Alzheimer’s may show up 20 years before symptoms develop. During this critical window, it is imperative to prioritize brain health to delay cognitive decline. For this reason, every American aged 50 or older should receive cognitive screening as part of their annual checkup.”