Frank Pallone: “I rise in strong support of S. 3036, the National Alzheimer's Project Act, as amended. Alzheimer's is an irreversible…”

“I rise in strong support of S. 3036, the National Alzheimer's Project Act, as amended. Alzheimer's is an irreversible progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer's can affect every part of the brain and rob its victims of their very lives and dignity, and it is fatal. Alzheimer's is estimated to be the sixth leading cause of death in our country. The disease, which is estimated to affect as many as 5.1 million Americans, has a devastating impact, not just on families but on our national economy. It is projected that the national costs associated with caring for those with Alzheimer's exceeds $172 billion each year, with the figure expected to rise to $1 trillion by 2050. The National Alzheimer's Project Act will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create and maintain a national plan to overcome Alzheimer's disease.”