House Unanimously Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Dementia Public Health Infrastructure

Washington, D.C., September 17, 2024 - Today the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7218 / S. 3775), legislation championed by the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM). The BOLD Reauthorization Act, which will reauthorize the soon-to-expire Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (P.L.115-406), now heads to the Senate for consideration.

"Thanks to BOLD, public health departments throughout the nation have been successfully implementing effective Alzheimer's interventions in their communities," said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. "Thank you to the bipartisan congressional champions for your leadership on this legislation and for your continued commitment to ensuring our country's dementia public health infrastructure continues to grow and make a difference for those impacted by this devastating disease."

Earlier this year, Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) introduced the BOLD Reauthorization Act in the House, and Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced it in the Senate. Thanks to their leadership, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) have already passed this important bipartisan bill out of committee with overwhelming support. Thanks to the support of House leadership, the BOLD Reauthorization Act was scheduled for a floor vote today to continue this critical public health work.

Since the original Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act passed in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided funding to state, local and tribal public health departments to help them implement effective dementia interventions such as reducing risk, increasing early detection and diagnosis, and supporting the needs of caregivers.

Since its enactment, the CDC has made 66 awards to 45 state, local and tribal health departments. In 2023, the CDC announced 43 BOLD award recipients, the most in a single year since BOLD was signed into law. These award recipients are working to implement public health strategies that promote brain health, address dementia, and support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

"The BOLD Reauthorization Act will empower public health departments to continue improving brain health across the life course and supporting caregivers in their communities," said Egge. "On behalf of the Alzheimer's community, we urge the Senate to quickly pass this pivotal, bipartisan bill before it expires."

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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