Rep. Jonathan Almond: At a crossroads in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease

America stands at a crossroads in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. As a representative serving Cabarrus County, I see firsthand how this illness devastates families, drains savings, and places enormous strain on caregivers. It is not a distant policy issue—it is personal for millions of Americans. Congress must act now to challenge the President and his administration to launch a bold, coordinated national initiative to defeat Alzheimer’s once and for all.

Under President Trump, the renewed focus on chronic disease prevention has helped elevate public awareness around metabolic health and its connection to long-term wellness. This movement—often referred to as MAHA—is gaining real traction as Americans begin to understand how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep influence conditions ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Alzheimer’s must be part of this conversation. The growing recognition of metabolic dysfunction as a driver of chronic illness presents a powerful opportunity to align prevention efforts with Alzheimer’s advocacy.

The urgency is undeniable. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only one without a cure. More than seven million Americans are currently living with the disease, and without breakthroughs, that number could nearly double by 2060. Beyond those diagnosed, millions of unpaid caregivers shoulder emotional and financial burdens that ripple through our economy.

The financial toll is staggering. Alzheimer’s costs the healthcare system hundreds of billions of dollars each year—and when unpaid care and lost productivity are included, the true cost reaches into the trillions. With projections approaching $780 billion annually, this is not just a health crisis; it is a fiscal emergency. Every dollar we invest in prevention and early intervention today will save taxpayers multiple times over in future Medicare and Medicaid spending.

There is also a global dimension we cannot ignore. Other nations are investing aggressively in brain health and dementia research. If the United States fails to lead, we risk falling behind in both scientific innovation and economic competitiveness.

The good news is that we are not starting from scratch. Scientific progress is accelerating. Researchers are uncovering how lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk. New blood tests are making earlier diagnosis possible. Emerging therapies are beginning to slow disease progression. These advances offer hope—but only if we act decisively to scale them.

A “Great American Alzheimer’s Initiative” should focus on four key priorities.

First, unleash American innovation by reducing bureaucratic barriers and accelerating research and development. Second, invest in lifestyle interventions that empower individuals to reduce their risk through healthier living. Third, expand access to early and accurate diagnosis so patients and families can plan and seek treatment sooner. And fourth, ensure equitable access to care by removing outdated coverage restrictions and making FDA-approved therapies available to those who need them.

The American people are ready for this. They understand the importance of prevention, and they support bold action to address Alzheimer’s. Congress must match that urgency.

We have the tools, the knowledge, and the momentum. What we need now is leadership. By launching a comprehensive national initiative, we can reduce suffering, strengthen our economy, and give hope to millions of families. The time to act is now.