Alzheimer's Association Applauds The Creation Of The First National Alzheimer's Plan

- Alzheimer's Association Statement -

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association commends the Obama Administration for developing the country's first ever National Alzheimer's Plan released today. The development of the plan is a result of a mandate within the National Alzheimer's Project Act that was passed unanimously through bipartisan Congressional support and signed into law by the president last year.

"This is a strong plan that promises important progress when implemented," said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "For all Americans – not just the more than 5 million living with Alzheimer's and their 15 million caregivers today – this plan is an historic achievement."

After the passage and enactment of the National Alzheimer's Project Act, the Alzheimer's Association and its more than 460,000 advocates have made impassioned demands for swift action on Alzheimer's in Washington and in communities nationwide. The Alzheimer's Association's public input campaign included more than 130 input sessions in communities nationwide.  Insights gathered from these sessions informed the creation of this plan. More recently, nearly a quarter million Americans signed an Alzheimer's Association petition urging the development of a strong National Alzheimer's Plan to change the trajectory of this devastating disease.   

The Association will continue to support the implementation process and looks forward to continued work with the Department of Health and Human Services to meet the Administration's important goal to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025. 

"The Association thanks our tireless advocates, the Administration and Congress and for making today possible. We look forward to building on the momentum created by the National Alzheimer's Plan and working without pause to ensure it is implemented effectively," said Johns.

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