The Way Forward: An Update from the Alzheimer's Study Group

Today we will continue the discussion we began last May concerning Alzheimer’s disease and the crisis facing our nation. At that time, two members of the Alzheimer’s Study Group, Justice O’Connor and Speaker Gingrich, outlined plans to create a blueprint for tackling the largest problems associated with the disease. Today, along with Senator Bob Kerrey, they will outline their National Strategic Plan to identify, examine, and mitigate Alzheimer’s greatest challenges. We are happy to have them back, and grateful to them for bringing attention to this issue.

Support from the medical research community is another element critical to
addressing Alzheimer’s. Universities and other research institutions are working to improve understanding of the disease and are developing drugs, therapies, and other interventions to treat and slow the disease. Health care communities have sought to establish best practices for working with patients and caregivers. Many include evidence-based models for patient care and caregiver support. As a result, some patients living with Alzheimer’s are staying at home longer with family and loved ones.

For all of the advances that have been made to assist Alzheimer’s patients, their caregivers, and their loved ones, there is still much more that can be done. Right now, the U.S. does not have a coordinated system for long-term care. People seeking information or services are confronted with a disjointed and complex web of public and private options. In some cases, they encounter criminals who know how to defraud a patient or family in crisis. These concerns are shared with those living with Alzheimer’s and many of America’s seniors.