Bill Overview
Title: NAPA Reauthorization Act
Description: This bill extends through 2035 and makes other changes to the National Alzheimer's Project. This project supports coordination of federal planning, programs, and other efforts to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In particular, the bill incorporates a focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors associated with cognitive decline. The bill also expands the membership of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services to include (1) a researcher with experience recruiting and retaining diverse clinical trial participants, (2) an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and (3) representatives from additional federal agencies (e.g., the Department of Justice and the Office of Management and Budget).
Sponsors: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals globally affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Estimated Size: 6500000
- Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia, affecting millions globally.
- According to Alzheimer's Disease International, 55 million people were living with dementia worldwide as of 2021, and this number is expected to double every 20 years.
- The focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors also potentially impacts a broader population subset, including older adults who may not currently present symptoms but are at risk of cognitive decline.
- The bill's provisions for diverse clinical trial participation may impact a wide range of demographic groups, potentially improving research outcomes and access to future treatments.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy primarily includes individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the U.S., currently estimated at 6.5 million people, primarily aged 65 and older.
- The policy indirectly impacts a broader group of adults, particularly older adults at risk for cognitive decline, as it promotes healthy aging and risk factor reduction.
- Diverse demographic groups are expected to benefit from enhanced clinical trial recruitment, improving research outcomes and potential future treatment access.
- Budget constraints limit the immediate and direct reach of this policy, necessitating a focus on localized or incremental improvements in research, care, and preventative measures.
- The anticipated financial constraints and the diverse nature of the American population mean the policy's impact may vary significantly across different communities and individual situations.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful for any additional support and coordination that can help with my condition.
- I appreciate the focus on cognitive health and risk reduction as I'm only in early stages now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Retired engineer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The inclusion of diverse clinical trials participants could lead to breakthroughs that might not happen otherwise.
- I hope more agencies involved brings more funding and resources.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Clinical researcher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will help bring much-needed attention and resources to diverse recruitment, improving both my work and the lives of countless patients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Part-time Uber Driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any potential improvement in services or information for caregivers is welcome.
- I'm hopeful that new research may ease some burdens down the line.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Medical doctor, geriatric specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's emphasis on healthy aging aligns with what I see in my practice—prevention is critical.
- Further integration with justice and budget offices could streamline patient care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired school teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 85 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring to hear that Alzheimer's is getting more attention and coordinated care.
- Hopefully, care facilities see some of this attention as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Retired (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that this will bring some innovations or supports that make my caregiving role a bit easier.
- Information dissemination is key—I need to worry less about what I'm missing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Policy analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Inclusion of DOJ and budget offices suggests a holistic approach that could redefine implementation success.
- Introducing more coordination will look good on paper, real results may take years to unlock.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired professor (Portland, OR)
Age: 78 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm eager to see how this new focus will push for better treatments and support systems.
- Our group is hopeful for any research efforts that address the root causes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Public health official (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy revisits might unlock additional support for preventive programs I've been working on.
- Stronger links between research and public health could streamline our efforts on aging health.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $115000000)
Year 2: $102000000 (Low: $87000000, High: $118000000)
Year 3: $104000000 (Low: $89000000, High: $120000000)
Year 5: $110000000 (Low: $94000000, High: $126000000)
Year 10: $125000000 (Low: $106000000, High: $143000000)
Year 100: $230000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $250000000)
Key Considerations
- The aging U.S. population increases potential beneficiaries of Alzheimer's-related advancements.
- Coordination across federal agencies is crucial to avoid redundancy and maximize efficacy.
- The inclusion of diverse participants in clinical trials is key to equitable healthcare innovation.