Alzheimer's Research Funding

Alzheimer’s disease is the only leading cause of death without a way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression – AND it’s the most expensive disease in the country. As an Alzheimer’s Association advocate, I take these facts and figures personally because my mother lived the last year and a half of her life in a dementia unit. I was an only child, so the burden was on me. I paid for personal items out of my pocket. I was lucky to have family leave time from work. Without an end to this disease, the struggles I faced with my mom are the reality for other family members today and the future for generations to come.

To address these staggering statistics and stories like mine, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that they needed a minimum of $2 billion annually for scientists to make the inroads necessary to find a prevention or cure. Ten years ago, that idea seemed undoable, but thanks to bipartisan leaders like my Representative, Mike Quigley, and Senator, Dick Durbin, Congress just passed and signed into law a historic $425 million increase – we are well on our way to a World Without Alzheimer’s.

The passage of this investment is a HUGE victory! And while many issues in Washington become divisive and partisan, I am proud to see my legislators, Congressman Mike Quigley and Senator Dick Durbin, taking a leadership role on this issue and working together. They know that Alzheimer’s doesn’t affect just democrats or republicans; it is an equal opportunity destroyer, and no family is safe. With their committed, bipartisan support, Alzheimer’s research funding has more than QUADRUPLED since 2011!

Please join me and my family in thanking Congressman Mike Quigley and Senator Dick Durbin for taking the critical action needed to end this dreadful disease!

Sincerely,

Daneen Jachino

2650 N. Lakeview
Chicago, Illinois 60614