USA | Funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research has been increased by USD 100 million for the National Institute of Health, approved by the Senate.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a USD 100 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the 2026 fiscal year (FY26). If signed into law, this would bring total annual funding to USD 3.9 billion.
“Driven by strong bipartisan support from champions like Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), we’ve seen remarkable advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia research over the last decade. As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, we must accelerate scientific breakthroughs that can help reduce long-term health care costs,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president.
“This requires robust and sustained federal investment in dementia research.”
Throughout the year, Alzheimer’s Association and AIM advocates have held hundreds of meetings with their elected officials, sharing their personal stories of how Alzheimer’s has affected them and urging them to increase research funding at the NIH. At the AIM Advocacy Forum in June, more than 1,100 advocates from all 50 states travelled to Washington, D.C., to meet with their elected officials.
“In addition to Chair Collins, we want to thank Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), as well as the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Vice Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) for leading this bipartisan congressional effort to invest in the fight against Alzheimer’s in FY26,” said Egge.
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025 (AAIC 2025) brought together researchers to share their discoveries. Alzheimer’s researchers are providing new insight into the many factors impacting brain health, including U.S. POINTER, showing how lifestyle changes can protect brain health. The study results present a compelling case for investments in preventive brain health programs targeting diet, physical activity, cognitive stimulation and cardiovascular wellness. Reducing cognitive decline helps reduce future care costs and supports healthy, productive ageing. Now is the time to do more, not less, in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In addition to supporting research into Alzheimer’s and all other dementias, the funding bill includes USD 41.5 million for the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fund the Healthy Brain Initiative and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in December 2018, BOLD directs the CDC to strengthen the public health infrastructure across the country by implementing effective Alzheimer's interventions focused on public health issues such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and supporting the needs of caregivers. This law was unanimously reauthorised last year.
“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease impacting families and communities throughout the nation,” said Egge.
“We are grateful to Congress for their ongoing support in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and look forward to working with Congress to ensure FY26 funding is finalised.”
As the House Appropriations Committee continues to consider and finalise the FY26 budget, the Alzheimer's Association and AIM will work with Congress to ensure the strongest possible investment in Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH and the dementia public health infrastructure.
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