Central ND News

Two significant legislative measures aimed at combating Alzheimer's disease have been enacted into law. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota co-sponsored both the National Alzheimer's Project (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, marking notable progress in efforts to prevent and treat Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act mandates that the National Institutes of Health provide an annual estimate of its budgetary and personnel requirements for initiatives under the National Alzheimer's Project. Meanwhile, the NAPA Reauthorization Act extends this project until 2035. Initially authorized in 2011, the project facilitates federal planning, programs, and research addressing Alzheimer's disease and dementia, including healthy aging and cognitive decline.

Senator Cramer expressed a personal connection to the cause: “Like many others, Alzheimer’s has a personal connection to me and my family,” he stated. “I am committed to doing everything I can to support those that are affected by the disease while at the same time working toward treatments that work and ultimately, a cure."

Cramer has actively supported individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s disease along with their families, loved ones, and healthcare providers. In September, he participated in Bismarck's Walk to End Alzheimer's event and visited the Bismarck Memory Cafe.

In addition to these efforts, Cramer co-sponsored legislation with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan on the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act. This act directs the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test new payment systems designed for dementia care management. Furthermore, alongside U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, Cramer addressed a letter to health authorities urging them to reconsider requirements limiting access to FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatments for Alzheimer’s patients outside clinical trials.