PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine applauded the unanimous Senate passage of a bill to help combat Alzheimer’s disease.
The bill, also called the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act, would reauthorize funding from across the country to help combat the disease and to preserve brain health. This follows the original BOLD Act, which was successfully signed into law in 2019.
“Alzheimer’s disease has impacted millions of families, including my own,” Kaine said. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan legislation to reauthorize public health initiatives that have improved prevention, treatment, and care for those living with Alzheimer’s. I urge the President to sign it as soon as possible.”
According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s, with the number expected to almost double by 2060.
The reauthorization of funds over the next five years is anticipated to support the following:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence — To promote effective interventions and educates the public on the disease
- Public Health Cooperative Agreements with CDC — To be awarded to State Health Departments to help meet needs in promoting brain health, risk of cognitive decline, improving care and other key public health activities
- Data Grants — To improve the analysis and timely reporting of data on Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline and caregiving
The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.