Lavine Seeks Support for Alzheimer's Research Bill

The Alzheimer’s Research Bond Act of 2014 would fund scientific research of Alzheimer’s disease, including tracking its causes, treatment and clinical trails of medication. By issuing taxpayers approved bonds for Alzheimer’s research, the state of New York can leverage new revenues to provide research grants and other financing to collaborations of New York institutions while also creating jobs and leading the effort to find a cure. 

“The reality is that the cost of treating Alzheimer’s in the United States is expected to increase from $203 billion in 2013 to $1.2 trillion by 2050,” said Lavine. “Exploring treatment and cures for the disease is uniquely challenging, especially in the light of recent research that indicates the onset of Alzheimer’s begins long before a diagnosis. At a time when Federal investments in research for the disease are at an all-time low, there needs to be a dedicated funding stream for ongoing studies."

Lavine unveiled his proposal to seek $1 billion in funding for Alzheimer’s at a press conference in June with Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington, at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Hiro Furukawa, Associate Professor and researcher at CSHL, said at the time that the availability of funding is vital to a robust research program.

Israel thanked Lavine for his commitment. 

“I applaud Assemblyman Lavine’s legislation to make New York a leader when it comes to Alzheimer’s research through an innovative bonding initiative. With the cost of Alzheimer’s to our country expected to skyrocket, researching the disease is not just a matter of compassion for a cure; it is a public policy imperative. However, with governments everywhere facing ever-tightening budgets, it’s necessary to implement creative funding mechanisms. I was proud to stand with Assemblyman Lavine at Cold Spring Harbor Labs in June to call for this measure, and I look forward to his legislation’s passage and signature into law.”

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, cites Alzheimer’s as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease in which there is no way to prevent, cure or slow its progressions. It is estimated the 300,000 plus New York State residents have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other related diseases.