WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today stressed the urgency of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s during a Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care hearing titled, “Alzheimer’s Awareness: Barriers to Diagnosis, Treatment and Care Coordination.” During the hearing, Roberts questioned: Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and Neurology Jason Karlawish M.D., Chief Nursing Executive Janet Tomcavage, Professor of Gerontology Marc A. Cohen, Ph.D and Alzheimer’s advocate Lauren Kovach.

“There is still much left to learn about Alzheimer’s and we must prioritize this crucial research. Nearly every person has been impacted in some way by Alzheimer’s, either directly or through friends and family members,” said Sen Roberts. “I believe it’s critical that we continue to encourage the development of innovative models of care and effectively communicate to the public the advancements that are being made on treating this disease and helping all those effected.”

Alzheimer’s is unlike other diseases in the sense that there has not been significant medical breakthroughs leading to effective treatments and potential cures. Sen. Roberts questioned witness Jason Karlawish, M.D. specifically on the type of innovations that are being seen on the side of the caregiver that can improve not only the patient’s life but the quality life for the patient’s family, friends and caretakers.

Sen. Roberts discussed the Wall Street Journal article “What Science Tells Us About Preventing Dementia” and the possibilities mentioned of slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and reducing the risk of dementia. Roberts also stressed the importance of biomedical research and telemedicine being utilized to support Alzheimer patients in more rural areas of the country.

Watch the video of the hearing here.

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