**Assessing the Role of Public Policy in Supporting Alzheimer’s Research Initiatives**
Alzheimer’s disease is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. To combat this devastating condition, it is crucial to understand the role of public policy in supporting Alzheimer’s research initiatives. In this article, we will explore how public policy has been instrumental in advancing Alzheimer’s research and improving care for those affected by the disease.
### Historical Context and Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in public policy support for Alzheimer’s research. In March 2024, the U.S. Congress passed a $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for fiscal year 2024. This significant funding boost is a direct result of bipartisan efforts to renew the nation’s commitment to addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis[1].
Two critical pieces of legislation, the NAPA Reauthorization Act (P.L. 118-92) and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (P.L. 118-93), were signed into law in October 2024. These bills continue the critical work of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, supporting Alzheimer’s research and improving the delivery of clinical care and services for people impacted by Alzheimer’s[1].
### Strengthening the Dementia Public Health Infrastructure
Public health infrastructure plays a vital role in addressing Alzheimer’s. The Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, initially passed in 2018, has empowered state, local, and tribal public health departments to implement effective dementia interventions. The BOLD Reauthorization Act, passed in December 2024, continues this critical public health work by providing additional funding and support for dementia interventions[1].
### Investing in Alzheimer’s Research
The increased funding for Alzheimer’s research has been instrumental in driving innovation and accelerating improvements in care, treatment, and prevention. This funding allows scientists to conduct more comprehensive studies, identify new risk factors, and develop more effective treatments. For instance, the Health Services Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (HSR-ADRD) funding program, initiated by the Alzheimer’s Association, focuses on advancing health services research to ensure high-quality, equitable, and person-centered dementia care[2].
### Preparing the Dementia Workforce
Another crucial aspect of public policy is preparing the workforce to better understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s. The Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act aims to provide virtual Alzheimer’s and dementia education and training to primary care providers. This initiative will help reduce geographic barriers and improve access to early diagnosis and quality dementia care[1].
### International Efforts
While the U.S. has made significant strides in supporting Alzheimer’s research, international efforts are also crucial. The European Brain Council (EBC) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) have launched the “Rethinking Alzheimer’s disease” project. This initiative focuses on improving detection and diagnosis by fostering awareness, improving professional education, and reducing stigma. It also emphasizes the need for a coordinated care management approach involving all relevant disciplines[4].
### Conclusion
Public policy has been instrumental in supporting Alzheimer’s research initiatives. The increased funding, reauthorization of critical legislation, and strengthening of public health infrastructure have all contributed to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s and improving care for those affected. As research continues to evolve, it is essential to maintain and increase public policy support to ensure that we are moving closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
By assessing the role of public policy in supporting Alzheimer’s research initiatives, we can better understand how to continue making progress in this critical area. It is through these collective efforts that we can hope to see additional breakthroughs over the next decade, improving the lives of people living with Alzheimer’s and their families.
