Creating an Alzheimer’s research program and connecting resources to people with Alzheimer’s and the families that care for them.

(St. Paul, MN) A group of bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers, all with personal ties to Alzheimer’s disease, introduced legislation that establishes an Alzheimer’s research program and further addresses the needs of people with Alzheimer’s and the families that care for them.

“Just like growing numbers of Minnesotans, Alzheimer’s touched my life when my father received the diagnosis we suspected and feared- a diagnosis for a disease without a cure,” said Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester).

Senator President Sandy Pappas (D-St. Paul) added, “I know from personal experience what a heartbreaking illness Alzheimer’s is since my mother was diagnosed a decade ago. Aging baby boomers will lead to a tsunami if we do not invest in research, preventative strategies, and appropriative care for our loved ones.”

The Alzheimer’s Research and Support Act creates two types of competitive grants. Research grants will focus on prevention, treatments, causes and cures; Dementia grants will help empower caregivers through tools to cope and better care for their loved ones.

“I can’t overstate the importance of fighting this disease head-on. Alzheimer’s already affects 1-in-9 Americans at age sixty-five, and 1-in-3 by age 85. It is the 6th leading cause of death in America, and Alzheimer’s consumes 20% of the Medicare budget” said Sue Spalding, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It’s time to invest in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Enacting this legislation will improve the health and wellbeing of Minnesotans who are battling this disease today, and it will prepare for the future by increasing research opportunities leading to prevention and cures,” said Senator Nelson.

Senator Sandy Pappas (D-St. Paul), Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), Senator Richard Cohen (D-St. Paul) and Senator Kathy Sheran (D-Mankato) are co-sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Research and Resources Support Act.

Representative Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) and Representative Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) authored the Alzheimer’s Research and Resource Support Act in the Minnesota House of Representatives.