[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 2031] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT ACT ______ HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, February 25, 2010 Mr. MARKEY of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Alzheimer's Project Act. I would like to thank my colleague and fellow cochair of the bipartisan Alzheimer's Task Force, Mr. Chris Smith of New Jersey, for continuing to partner with me on this important legislation. An estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and one in ten individuals has a family member with the disease. Unless science finds a way to prevent or cure it, nearly 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by the year 2050. Additionally, in 2005, Medicare spent $91 billion for the care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and this amount is projected to increase to $160 billion in 2010. While we have made great progress in the battle against Alzheimer's, much more needs to be done. This bill will establish a National Alzheimer's Project Office and interagency Advisory Council to help coordinate a national plan for Alzheimer's research, care, and related support services. The National Alzheimer's Project Office will be established within and overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. Alzheimer's efforts throughout the federal government will be coordinated and continually evaluated by this entity, including research, clinical care, and various support programs. The Alzheimer's Association has endorsed this bill which will modify care delivery and help prevention of this awful disease. Madam Speaker, in order to help fight this disease and reduce the number of patients who suffer from Alzheimer's, it is imperative to better coordinate federal activities relating to this disease. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work with them throughout the legislative process. ____________________