Political Quotes

“I thank the Chair. Madam President, nearly every minute someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease. More than 5 million Americans suffer from this disease and more than 35 million individuals worldwide. If trends continue, the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease after the age of 65 is expected to double every 5 years, while the number of people 85 years and older with this disease will triple by 2050. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and there is currently no cure, no diagnostic test, and no treatment for this terrible disease. As a nation, we must remain committed to defeating one of the greatest health threats to the health and well-being of all Americans. Caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementia is expected to cost $214 billion this year--$214 billion this year alone, with $150 billion covered by the Federal Government through Medicare and Medicaid. A recent study outlined that the cost of care for those struggling with dementia is projected to double over the next 30 years, surpassing health care expenses for both heart disease and cancer. Without a way to prevent, cure, or effectively treat Alzheimer's, costs will only continue to climb. Alzheimer's has become a disease to define our generation. But if we focus and prioritize our research capabilities, it need not remain an inevitable part of aging. There is reason for newfound hope.…”