WASHINGTON, D.C. –Representatives Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), House co-chair with Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) of the Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, today commended the Senate for passing the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (N.A.P.A.), S. 3036, the Senate companion bill to H.R.4689, which the two Members introduced in February of this year. The companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN.) and Susan Collins (R-ME.). The National Alzheimer’s Project Act would create the National Alzheimer’s Project which would coordinate government efforts to prevent and treat the disease and create a national strategy for defeating Alzheimer’s.

“Unless science finds a way to prevent or cure the disease, nearly 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease by the year 2050. That is going to devastate the families who have a loved one afflicted with the disease.  It will also drain billions in treatment costs from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs,” said Rep. Markey.

“Passage of this bill means we will help ensure that the federal government better coordinates all of the research and clinical programs dealing with Alzheimer's, which is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.  When America has a game plan, America wins. This bill requires a plan for beating Alzheimer’s and represents an important step forward in our country’s efforts in this area.

“I appreciate the action the Senate took in passing this bill and thank Senators Bayh and Collins for their leadership. Now that the Senate has acted, I look forward to proceeding to House passage and then getting the legislation to President Obama for his signature,” Rep. Markey concluded.

Under the legislation, the National Alzheimer’s Project will provide strategic planning and coordination for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease across the federal government. It would be located within the Department of Health and Human Services, be overseen by an advisory council and would coordinate and oversee federal research on Alzheimer’s disease.

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December 9, 2010, Rep. Markey speaks at Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing, "Alzheimer's Disease: Ongoing Challenges."