Political Quotes

“For the next hour, we will be talking about an issue that really confronts every American family, an issue that has brought devastation, fear, and sadness to virtually every family in this Nation. We are going to talk about dementia and Alzheimer's. We are going to talk about the way in which it literally tears families apart as their loved one's mind, recollections, and ability to handle their own affairs seems to dissipate. {time} 1815 This is an issue that currently confronts around 5 million Americans and their families. This is an issue that will grow exponentially over the next 25 to 30 years to the point where maybe 16 million American families are going to be affected by it. It is also an issue that we can deal with. It is an issue that we can see the cost. Let me put up this chart here, and we will talk about the cost of Alzheimer's quickly. It is a crisis that is growing rapidly, and it is resulting in extraordinary cost increases. If you look at 2015, on Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Federal Government will spend $153 billion on Alzheimer's. In 2020, it will grow to $182 billion. And then it is anticipated--as one of our colleagues spoke during a 1-minute speech-- that by 2050, it will grow to over $1 trillion. This is an issue for the Federal Government. It is an issue for every family. Let me put up another little chart here that really displays what an investment by the American people can do.…”