- Alzheimer's Association Statement -

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services approved recommendations to best address the Alzheimer's crisis. Those recommendations included efforts to bolster the development of new treatments that prevent or effectively treat Alzheimer's by 2025, strengthen and expand the delivery of much needed support for families, and enhance care quality and effectiveness. The Council's recommendations will be advanced to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to be considered for inclusion in the next iteration of the National Alzheimer's Plan, expected this spring.

"The Alzheimer's Association is pleased the National Alzheimer's Plan process continues. Building on the landmark accomplishment of last year, accelerating government efforts to address this disease is paramount," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "The core challenge that lies before us now is to ensure the recommendations are implemented swiftly and effectively. The urgency of action must encompass all efforts in this process - particularly as baby boomers age into greater risk for developing the disease with each passing year."

Today there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease with nearly 15 million friends and family members often providing exhaustive, around the clock care. While the human toll is alarming, the economic costs pose a significant toll to the nation as well, rising from $200 billion today to more than $1 trillion by midcentury.

"Now that the National Alzheimer's Plan infrastructure has been put in place, this year will prove to be pivotal in determining the lasting legacy of the National Alzheimer's Project Act and the National Alzheimer's Plan," said Robert Egge, Vice President of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association. "With the initial launch of the Plan now behind us and encouraging progress on many fronts underway, how fast we change the trajectory of Alzheimer's is wholly contingent upon ensuring the necessary resources and attention continue to build from year to year."

The Alzheimer's Association looks forward to the next generation National Alzheimer's Plan later this spring.

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association