Bill Overview
Title: Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act
Description: This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit, beginning in FY2024, an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives pursuant to the National Alzheimer's Project. This project supports coordination of federal planning, research, and other efforts to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Sponsors: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals globally who are impacted by Alzheimer's and related dementias
Estimated Size: 14600000
- The National Alzheimer's Project focuses on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, which affect older populations predominantly.
- Approximately 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2021.
- Globally, over 50 million people are living with dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most common form.
- The NIH budget and personnel estimates will impact families and caregivers supporting individuals with Alzheimer's.
- The Alzheimer's population is expected to grow significantly, with an estimated increase to 13.8 million Americans by 2050.
Reasoning
- The population directly affected by this policy would primarily include older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias and their families and caregivers. Given that the current estimate for this population is around 6.2 million older Americans, and considering the number is predicted to rise, the investment is crucial.
- The policy budget of $12 million in year 1, escalating to $162 million over 10 years, prioritizes research initiatives that may not immediately change individual wellbeing but are crucial in setting long-term health outcomes.
- It is important to include perspectives of caregivers and healthcare professionals as they provide essential insights into the secondary impacts of Alzheimer’s care.
- A portion of the general population unaffected directly by Alzheimer’s and related programs should also be considered to determine broader policy implications and any indirect benefits.
Simulated Interviews
retired teacher (Florida)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy brings more opportunities for treatments.
- I'm worried about being a burden to my family, any advances will help lessen that burden.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
nurse (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding may lead to better protocols to assist my patients.
- It might improve job satisfaction knowing I can make a real difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
full-time caregiver (Ohio)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful for more support and respite care options.
- Need more guidance on effective caregiving strategies which this policy might encourage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
neurologist (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding could help advance my research dramatically.
- This policy could accelerate finding meaningful treatments or even a cure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
retired librarian (Texas)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that opens doors to treatment makes me feel less alone.
- I need support systems, and hope the policy provides that through research and initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
social worker (Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential benefits from this policy enabling better resources for communities I serve.
- Increased research could facilitate better intervention strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
unemployed (Washington)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I desperately need more financial support and caregiver training.
- This policy could provide hope through better care and support options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 1 |
retired engineer (Oregon)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe research is essential for future generations, and this policy is a step in the right direction.
- Current therapies are limited, so enhancing them is vital.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
retired doctor (Pennsylvania)
Age: 85 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Advances in medical care can only help my condition and others'.
- I hope families like mine can have clearer paths to support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
software developer (New Jersey)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy wouldn’t affect me personally, but it reinforces my commitment to support those in need.
- Hope that technological advancements through research can provide innovative solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $13000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $16000000)
Year 3: $14000000 (Low: $11500000, High: $17000000)
Year 5: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $24000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $26000000, High: $36000000)
Key Considerations
- Long-term benefits of investing in Alzheimer's research can lead to significant societal and economic gains if breakthroughs are achieved.
- Policy does not generate direct savings, focusing on long-term value through improved research and coordination.
- Increased NIH funding may set a precedent for future biomedical research initiatives, affecting federal budgeting priorities.