ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act were both signed into law by President Biden. Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) and the Alzheimer's Association celebrated the decision.
The NAPA Act reauthorizes the National Alzheimer's Project Act through 2035 to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act ensures scientists speak directly to Congress on resources they need to effectively treat the disease.
"This action marks a major step in tackling Alzheimer’s and delivering a needed dose of hope to those living with this devastating disease and their loved ones," Congressman Tonko said. "During my first term in Congress, I joined my colleagues in advancing the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Now, after a decade of successful implementation of that law, and with its expiration in 2025 looming, I was honored to lead the push to reauthorize this pivotal legislation. The enactment of the NAPA Reauthorization Act and Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will equip us with the tools and resources necessary to address Alzheimer’s and ease the heavy burden on patients and their families. I’m thankful to my colleagues and the numerous local, state, and national organizations who stood with me to get this legislation across the finish line."
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America said these acts were pivotal for disease and the fight to continue researching a cure. The nonprofit organization said the new bills will go a long way to help with detection, risk reduction, raising awareness and enhancing caregiver support.
"We are grateful to the President and lawmakers in the House and Senate for working together in a bipartisan manner to address this growing public health crisis that continues to affect millions of Americans every day," a statement from the organization states. "Building off this progress remains essential."
The new laws were passed to the President last week after passing through both the House and the Senate. Also, a bill to enhance public health research, detection infrastructure and support caregivers advanced in the House of Representatives in September and is awaiting action in the Senate.
These laws wouldn't have become laws if it wasn't from the support of Tonko and other supporters, the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said.
"Congressman Paul Tonko is a longstanding champion for the 426,500 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers," said Beth Smith-Boivin, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter. "From holding roundtable discussions to attending our local Walk to End Alzheimer's, Congressman Tonko has sat with and listened to the stories from local families impacted by this devastating disease. But his tireless efforts in Congress to advance these bipartisan bills across the finish line not only impacts individuals in his district, but throughout New York State and across the nation. These bills show that our nation is committed to a future in which everyone in all communities will have access to prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and ultimately, cures. We are so grateful to have Congressman Tonko as a powerful and compassionate advocate for our cause."
In New York State, an estimated 410,000 people have Alzheimer´s disease or a related disorder. According to the New York State Department of Health, one in 9 people older than 65 will develop Alzheimer's and Alzheimer's is currently the six leading causes for death in the United States.
