U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., is one of the main backers of U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez’s, D-Calif., proposal to “encourage early assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”
Sánchez brought back the “Concentrating on High-Value Alzheimer’s Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act” last week with Bilirakis and U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., and Doris Matsui, D-Calif., among the main co-sponsors. More than a dozen House members are backing the proposal which “requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify cognitive impairment detection tools to help clinicians detect, refer, and diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias in their earliest stages.”
“With as many as 13.8 million Americans ages 65 and older expected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2060, the legislation seeks to aide caregivers and accelerate progress to disease modifying treatments,” Bilirakis’ office noted.
“As research continues to yield advancement in the development of more treatment options for patients with Alzheimer’s, we know that early detection, diagnosis and intervention offers the best promise for disease management,” said Bilirakis. “My family has coped with the devastating impacts of this horrific disease for more than a decade, so I understand the toll it takes on the patient and his or her loved ones as it progresses. We owe it to our fellow Americans to develop a system of care that prioritizes education, screening and assessment so that patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.”
“Like countless families nationwide, my family knows all too well the devastating toll Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can have. After seeing both of my parents struggle with the disease, I know how critical a timely diagnosis is. Family caregivers make tremendous sacrifices to offer the necessary support and care for their loved ones. It is vital that we ensure they have as much information and help as early as possible,” said Sánchez. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to re-introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to promote and streamline early assessment and diagnosis. The CHANGE Act offers crucial assistance to patients and their family caregivers. With millions more Americans, particularly people of color, expected to be diagnosed in the coming decades, we have no time to waste.”
“Alzheimer’s affects millions of Americans each day, and the search for a cure must be relentless. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that will provide help to patients, families, caregivers, and physicians through expanded early detection support and improved data collection,” said LaHood. “The CHANGE Act will strengthen existing tools within Medicare to help streamline and broaden the ability for earlier diagnosis of dementia. As a strong advocate in Congress to find an end to Alzheimer’s, I will continue to work to find ways to support patients and their families.”
“The devastating impact of Alzheimer’s necessitates a comprehensive approach to support the millions of Americans battling against this disease. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improve care and prolong the life of loved ones,” said Matsui. “The CHANGE Act provides important tools to deliver early support and high-value care. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort once again as we continue taking steps forward to prevent, treat, and put an end to Alzheimer’s.”
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, Alliance for Aging Research and US Aging are all backing the bill.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees.
Over in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., are championing the bill.
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