Reps. Markey and Smith were honored at the Alzheimer's Association National Gala with the "Chairman's Leadership Award," for their leadership on Capitol Hill with the Alzheimer's Task Force, April 5, 2006.
Rep. Markey meets with members of the MA Alzheimer's Association at their annual advocacy day on Capitol Hill.
In June 1999, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) joined together as co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. Members have joined the Bicameral Task Force with the mission of improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s through increased funding for research and increased support to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
Background on Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder marked by an irreversible decline in intellectual abilities and by changes in behavior and personality. The disease can span between three and twenty years and ultimately leaves patients incapable of caring for themselves. As a result, Alzheimer’s Disease has a profound effect on the millions of family members and other loved ones who provide most of the care for people with the disease. Approximately 19 million people have a family member who suffers from dementia.
The Task Force Membership List Can Be Found Here:
House Members (Apr 2, 07).pdf
Senate Members (Mar 28, 07).pdf
Task Force Activites and Events
-
- Task Forces hosts Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, Chairman of the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Consortium, in briefing Members on current research mapping the genes of the Alzheimer’s disease,
- H.R. 1560, Alzhemiers Breakthrough Act, introduced in the 110th Congress
- Task Force Holds briefing on new discoveries and directions in Alzheimer’s Diseases research and care
- The Alzheimer’s Association joins the Task Force in a briefing on lifestyle choices and impacts the disease has upon individuals and families,
- Introduction of Alzheimer's Semi-Postal Stamp Resolution, H.Res. 466, September 27, 2005
- Co-Chairs, along with Reps. Maxine Waters and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen send a Dear Colleague asking for co-sponsors on H.R. 3642, the Alzheimer's Treatment and Caregiver Support Act, November 8, 2005.
- "Fighting Alzheimer's, Saving Lives" Dear Colleague Calling for Increased Funding for Alzheimer's Research, June 29, 2005.
- Rep. Markey, David Hyde Pierce and Alzheimer's Families Push to Increase Alzheimer's Research Funding
- Introduction of "Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2005"
- Task Force Chairs Send a Dear Colleague Announcing the Release of a Report on Alzheimer's Caregivers and a Call for Increased Action, October 7, 2004
- Reps. Markey and Smith introduce H.R. 4595, the "Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2004"
- Rep. Markey Welcomes VA Announcement: No Mission Change for Bedford VA Hospital
- MA Delegation Sends Letter Protesting the Closing of the Bedford VA Hospital, August 25, 2003
- Introduction of the "Alzheimer's Disease, Research, Prevention and Care Act of 2003"
- Reps. Markey, Smith Seek Signatures from Colleagues on a Letter to Appropriators to Restore and Increase Funding for Alzheimer's programs and research.
