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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today released its "Draft National Plan To Address Alzheimer's Disease." The nation's first National Alzheimer's Plan is mandated under the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) enacted last January.

 

In a statement, Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO and a member of the Advisory Council on Research, Care and Services that is advising on the national strategy, said, in part:

 

"The 'Draft National Plan To Address Alzheimer's Disease' responds to many of the challenges and includes many of the solutions that the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) highlighted in its 'No Time to Waste' report of recommendations for an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's disease. Bold yet realistic strategies that address research, clinical care, education, family support services and long-term care are the key to a transformative plan that will change the course of this disease and offer hope to countless families.

   "Given the current economic environment that limits much-needed resources and the scientific unknowns of this disease, we believe that defeating Alzheimer's disease will likely happen in a series of small victories. The release of the draft plan is one of these victories, marking a major step toward a strategy to prevent, delay and ultimately cure Alzheimer's disease as well as ease the caregiving toll for American families.

   "As we have collaborated with federal officials on a national plan, our goal has been to ensure that all stakeholders' needs are met. We are pleased that the draft plan includes solid education and care-related strategies in addition to aggressive research initiatives.

   "Now, we need to stay focused, to stay at it, to keep raising our voices so that our population gets the funding it deserves and that this plan sees the light of day. Now, more than ever, we need to rally around the cause. We're in position to move the ball. Implementing the plan is as critical as writing it.

   "We will be reviewing the draft plan more closely over the coming weeks, especially to pinpoint any other challenges that may warrant discussion. We look forward to working with HHS, other government agencies and the White House as well as our member organizations and our constituents to support HHS' calls to action, build in additional strategies, and realize the full execution of a comprehensive and viable plan that attacks this public health crisis head-on.

   "On a personal note, the release of the Draft National Alzheimer's Plan coincidentally aligns with the very day that AFA is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Our national organization was founded to fill a gap in care-related programs and services, and over the past decade we've proudly made enormous and meaningful strides to improve quality of life for countless families and, moreover, to help propel Alzheimer's disease out of the shadows.

   "Today, with the strong commitment of federal leaders and louder outcry from the public, the urgency of the Alzheimer's disease crisis is being recognized and acted upon... And it is up to all of us to raise our voices louder than ever to ensure that we keep moving forward on this historic opportunity."

 

To read the draft report, click here.

To read Eric Hall's complete statement, click here.