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: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Estimated Size: 6700000
- Alzheimer's disease affected approximately 55 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is projected to rise as the global population ages.
- Promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors may impact not only those currently diagnosed, but also those at risk of developing Alzheimer's.
- This legislation impacts diverse groups, including patients, families, researchers, and policymakers focused on neurological and aging-related health.
Reasoning
- The US has a significant population at risk of Alzheimer's, thus the policy aims to influence a large group directly and indirectly through prevention strategies.
- Within the population, individuals currently managing Alzheimer's might see improvements in service quality and support, while those at risk could benefit from preventive measures.
- The budget constraints necessitate a strategic focus on key stakeholders like healthcare providers, researchers in diversity-focused trials, and relevant federal agencies.
- We also consider the practical challenges—geographical distribution, awareness levels, and healthcare access—which influence the policy's effectiveness.
Simulated Interviews
retired engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy increases support for those like me, but I'm worried resources might still be limited.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
public health researcher (Springfield, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am optimistic that increased research funding will foster new prevention strategies, benefiting those at risk.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
retired teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this means more local support groups and better access to care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
clinical trial coordinator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's critical to have diverse participants in trials. This policy could improve our recruitment efforts.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
software developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe tech can play a role in supporting this initiative, but we need to see more action at the ground level.
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 | 9 | 8 |
retired farmer (Rural Georgia)
Age: 82 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More programs are good, but they're often out of reach for folks like me out in the countryside.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
policy advisor (New York, NY)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrating more federal voices can streamline efforts, we need cohesive direction.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
caregiver (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand the challenges in caregiving. Expanded support would be invaluable.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
nurse (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better training and support could significantly improve patient outcomes, this initiative seems promising.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
retired librarian (Denver, CO)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in prevention programs at the community level, more resources would be helpful.
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 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $51500000 (Low: $41000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $53045000 (Low: $42230000, High: $63820000)
Year 5: $56167825 (Low: $44700000, High: $67500000)
Year 10: $62889437 (Low: $50000000, High: $75000000)
Year 100: $1317000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1600000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy heavily relies on effective collaboration across various federal agencies to manage Alzheimer's and related diseases.
- Long-term savings and benefits depend on the successful implementation of strategies to promote healthy aging and reduce risk factors.
- Economic impacts may vary based on the effectiveness of public health initiatives and potential medical breakthroughs resulting from expanded research.