WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Action Day, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), founder and co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Taskforce on Alzheimer’s Disease, today released the following statement. Today, more than 36 million people around the world are suffering from Alzheimer’s or related dementias, and by 2050 this number is projected to triple to 115 million.  
 
“Today, we honor the millions of Americans struggling with this devastating disease,” said Rep. Markey. “And we salute the countless caregivers across the country, true heroes working tirelessly to care for family and loved ones. With the Baby Boom generation retiring, our country is facing a tidal wave of Alzheimer’s cases and the costs associated with care. This disease is both a health care and fiscal crisis. I again pledge to advocate on behalf of all of those affected by this disease so that one day we will have to look to the history books to find that there ever was a disease called Alzheimer’s.”
 
Rep. Markey in a letter to Massachusetts Governor Patrick today also saluted the efforts of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and members of the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Steering Committee. The Committee has been working to evaluate the accessibility and the quality of resources for Alzheimer’s patients and their families across the state.
 
“I am pleased that I can point to the groundbreaking work being done in Massachusetts as a model for other states and the nation on the issue of Alzheimer’s disease and elder care,” wrote Rep. Markey to Governor Patrick.


Rep. Markey is the House author of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (N.A.P.A.), one of the most significant victories in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in the past three decades. Under the law, the Department of Health and Human Services appointed an Advisory Council of researchers, medical professionals and advocates in August who will meet this fall to begin strategic planning and coordination for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease across the federal government.
 
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