A National Alzheimer’s Disease PlanErika Orjales
Abstract: The National Alzheimer’s Project Act has been signed into law. However, implementation may be challenging.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease; treatment; national policy
Published: 10 January 2013
Cite as: Orjales E. A National Alzheimer’s Disease Plan. Bull Health L Policy. 2012;1(2).
Introduction
Under the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directs the first national Plan, currently being drafted and titled The Draft National Plan (“Plan”). The Plan’s goal is to eradicate Alzheimer’s Disease by focusing on the following five main categories: (1) prevention and treatment, (2) health and long term care, (3) social resources for family and caregivers, (4) public awareness and (5) disease tracking mechanisms.1The Plan has evolved during quarterly conferences held by the Advisory Council of NAPA.2 In addition to the quarterly conferences, NAPA’s website has opened a forum for public comments regarding suggestions for draft revisions.3
As the number of AD cases continues to grow, caregivers are demanding more aggressive actions from the government to assist with care costs.4 HHS has teamed up with various federal agencies to form an Interagency Group (Group).5 The Group will be gathering and coordinating information for submission to NAPA’s Advisory Council for review.6 Through the use of conferences and public forums, the Advisory Council will make recommendations as to the priorities HHS should take to fully implement NAPA.7 Through these means, NAPA intends the Plan to act as a platform to coordinate a comprehensive approach to diminish the burden of AD for the entire nation.8
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