WASHINGTON, D.C., March 14, 2022 — A $289 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was signed into law. Added to current NIH spending, the annual Alzheimer's and dementia research funding by the federal government will be as much as $3.5 billion. In addition, the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) secured $25 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (P.L. 115-406). This increased funding ensures the continued, effective implementation of this important law. The Alzheimer's Association and AIM commend bipartisan congressional champions for this action and their continued commitment to ensuring a robust Alzheimer's and dementia research budget at the NIH and critical investment in the Alzheimer's public health response.
"Thank you to our tireless advocates and our congressional champions for demonstrating the need for research in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia," said Robert Egge, AIM executive director and Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer. "Today, the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers have greater access than ever before to critical care and support services. With the sustained investment by the federal government, we will continue to see breakthroughs in treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure."
This sustained investment has been made possible by longtime congressional champions including Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.). Alzheimer's Association and AIM advocates have remained steadfastly dedicated to growing support for an increase in research funding and fully funding the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.
The omnibus bill includes $25 million to implement the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (P.L. 115-406), an important step toward acknowledging and addressing Alzheimer's as a widespread public health crisis. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen the public health infrastructure across the country by implementing effective Alzheimer's interventions focused on public health issues such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. It also establishes Alzheimer's and Related Dementia Public Health Centers of Excellence, providing funding to state, local, and tribal public health departments and increasing data analysis and timely reporting.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Alzheimer's Impact Movement
The Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) is a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate of the Alzheimer's Association. AIM works to develop and advance policies to overcome Alzheimer's disease through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support. For more information, visit alzimpact.org.