SPRINT Legislation Would Spur Critically Needed Alzheimer's Disease Research, Says American Health Assistance Foundation
CLARKSBURG, MD-A scientific research bill announced on Capitol Hill today represents a major step forward in the national goal to end Alzheimer's disease, says the American Health Assistance Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose Alzheimer's Disease Research program funds research worldwide.
A bipartisan team of Congressional leaders unveiled the Spending Reductions through Innovations in Therapies (SPRINT) Agenda Act of 2012. The legislation would spur public and private research funding and streamline the regulatory review of treatments needed for Alzheimer's and other costly diseases.
AHAF President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller, who praised Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Ed Markey (D-MA) for introducing the SPRINT Act, explains why it is necessary:
“A greater investment in research is essential if we are going to defeat Alzheimer's disease. Current funding levels will not stop this growing epidemic. This year alone, nearly half a million Americans will hear the diagnosis, 'You have Alzheimer's disease.' If we are to prevent, treat, and cure this disease that now affects millions of Americans and threatens the solvency of our healthcare system, then we need to increase public and private research funding and partnerships.”
Adds Guy Eakin, Ph.D., AHAF Vice President for Scientific Affairs:
“The greatest threat to research advancement is the inadequate financial support available to scientists. There are just not enough funds to support the number of promising scientific projects. More researchers than ever want to study Alzheimer's disease, and many have compelling proposals. The SPRINT Act would utilize this scientific talent by supporting innovative and promising ideas.”
About the American Health Assistance Foundation
The American Health Assistance Foundation (www.ahaf.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for age-related degenerative diseases by funding research worldwide under its three programs: Alzheimer's Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research. AHAF also provides public information about these diseases, including risk factors, preventative lifestyles, current treatments, and coping strategies.
To learn more about AHAF-supported research, visit www.ahaf.org/research or call 800-437-2423. Stay connected to breaking research and medical news by signing up for AHAF eAlerts at www.ahaf.org/news. To follow the American Health Assistance Foundation on Twitter and Facebook visit www.ahaf.org/connect.