Government Alzheimer's Research Funding

The Obama administration has set forth a plan for Federal Government Alzheimer's research funding amounting to nearly $156 million over the next two years. This funding will be set forth in a multiphase approach beginning with $50 million. Finances are set to be directed toward preventing Alzheimer's, however, a portion of the proceeds will go to treatment offices.

Alzheimer's disease affects over 5 million Americans and starts with mild memory loss but progresses to confusion, disability, and death. Estimates suggest that at the current rate of diagnosis, the number of individuals with Alzheimer's could double in the next generation. This would set treatment costs at over $1 Trillion annually.

The current Government Alzheimer's research funding, even with this commitment, falls millions short of funding for other debilitating conditions such as cancer and heart disease. This act by the Obama administration is being seen as a good faith gesture to American researchers, treatment providers, and those afflicted.

The installment plan set forth for Government Alzheimer's research funding in 2012 begins with a $50 million award to begin the year. It is expected that Obama will ask for the approval of another $80 million later in the year, all for research to cure or prevent dementia. This will be supplemented by $26 million specifically for treatment programs.