*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated. 
 1994.
11.14 :  Annual Alzheimer's Report to Congress

Contact:  HHS Press Office  (202) 690-6343
Monday, Nov. 14, 1994                             


           HHS SENDS ANNUAL ALZHEIMER'S REPORT TO CONGRESS


     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala has sent to Congress the seventh
annual report of the Department of Health and Human Services Council
on Alzheimer's Disease.

     The primary purpose of the report is to inform Congress of
progress in research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
(AD) sponsored by the federal government and new directions in
research that the council considers potentially important.

     Based on current estimates, up to four million Americans now
suffer from Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, an estimated
three million for Alzheimer's disease alone.  Estimated total annual
costs of dementia in the United States exceed $113 billion.

     "Ronald Reagan's brave disclosure that he is afflicted with
Alzheimer's ushers in a new era of awareness and understanding for a
great many people around the country," said Secretary Shalala.  

     "The Department of Health and Human Services has steadfastly
committed itself through research and funding to make certain every
possible measure is taken to eliminate this debilitating illness. 
This report brings encouraging news that more diverse avenues are
being explored to determine both the cause and treatment of
Alzheimer's disease."

     The 71-page report lists a number of areas currently being 
studied by federally supported researchers to provide new directions
in biomedical and health services.  It also shows that researchers
are currently evaluating everything from the role of culture,
education and occupation and the impact they have on the development
of the disease, to novel pharmaceutical approaches that
may protect against neurodegeneration.

     The report notes that 1993 was "a watershed year in the growth
of our understanding of the mechanisms of AD," and cites as
promising the approval by the FDA of tacrine, "the first
medication...that appears to have a slowing effect on the cognitive
changes in AD in at least some patients."

     Researchers are also assessing the effects and consequences of
AD apart from the afflicted patient.  Economic costs of AD and the
short- and long-term repercussions of the disease on the families of
caregivers are among some of the issues being investigated.

     In fiscal year 1994, over $300 million was obligated to fund
Alzheimer's disease research.  These funding obligations rose to
$317 million for fiscal year 1995.

     The Department of Health and Human Services Council on
Alzheimer's Disease is comprised of all agencies within HHS that
support or evaluate research on AD, the Department of Veterans
Affairs and the surgeon general, and is chaired by the assistant
secretary for health.

     In addition to the council's report, HHS' National Institute on
Aging has issued a 15-page "Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease,
*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated. 
 1994.
"  For copies and more information on Alzheimer's disease and
related dementias call the National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's
Disease Education and Referral Center at (800) 438-4380.

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