In February 2012, the Obama Administration announced plans for a comprehensive national strategy to care for people and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Calling the disorder “one of the most feared health conditions,” the report states that the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s (currently about 5.1 million) is expected to double every five years. At that rate, it will reach 16 million by 2050, which will put tremendous strains on caregivers and long-term care systems.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets prevention and treatment as top priorities, but it also focuses on optimizing care quality and enhancing support for Alzheimer’s patient families and caregivers. The National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health is bringing together Alzheimer’s experts in May to discuss research collaborations to find the most promising leads for better treatment and to establish strategies and milestones to improve the national plan.