Feds Take Additional Steps to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease

Department of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released an aggressive plan to combat Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Research Summit held May 15. The plan is part of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in January 2011, and this year Obama pledged to take immediate steps to implement parts of the plan by committing additional funds. According to Sebelius, the plan includes three actions. The first will be the funding of two major clinical trials — an initial trial to test an insulin nasal spray for treating Alzheimer’s disease and a prevention trial for people who are at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s. The second focuses on the development of high-quality training and information for the nation’s clinicians. The training material will teach providers how to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease and how to best manage it. The third action will promote a new public education campaign and website that encourages caregivers to seek information at the new HHS website, www.alzheimers.gov, where they can find comprehensive resources to aid with the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s disease. The plan calls for a widespread, joint approach across federal, state, private and nonprofit organizations.