December 16, 2010

Dear Friends,

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people. According to the Alzheimer's Association, as many as five million people in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

With my support, the House passed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act yesterday. This legislation creates a new office within the Department of Health and Human Services to exclusively concentrate on research and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly. It first involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. People with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble remembering things that happened recently or names of people they know. Over time, symptoms get worse. People may not recognize family members or have trouble speaking, reading or writing. They may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care. This can cause great stress for family members who must care for them.

The new office created will

1. accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's;
2. create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's;
3. help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's;
4. ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities;
5. coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and
6. provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies.

Alzheimer’s disease usually begins after age 60 and the risk goes up as one gets older. It is important that we support our seniors and their families with this important research that will be carried out by the new Office on Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment.

Sincerely,



U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
Representing the 7th District of North Carolina

Lumberton, NC
500 North Cedar Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 735-0610
fax (910) 739-5085

Fayetteville, NC
301 Green Street, Room 218
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 323-0260
fax (910) 323-0069