President Obama’s Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, has followed up on the President’s promise to find new and effective methods of treating Alzheimer’s disease. Sebelius discussed President Obama’s increased funding for research on Alzheimer’s, saying that “[T]his isn’t just another strategy to be published and sit on a shelf.” The funds will be allocated toward treatments, preventative measures, and public knowledge, among other areas.
This will come as welcome news to the many families suffering from this disease (the Alzheimer’s Association estimates approximately 5.4 million cases of Alzheimer’s nationwide in 2011). Regardless of the ability to prevent and treat the disease, at the very least an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and its effects will potentially lead to a greater level of understanding among those tasked with caring for our nation’s elderly. Secretary Sebelius’ dedication to funding this disease is certainly a step in the right direction for treating those afflicted.
Resource: Medpage Today, Emily P. Walker, April 25, 2012
