Cuts to Alzheimer's research are unconscionable and make little economic sense
By State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Prior to running for office, I volunteered as an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s an issue I’m passionate about, partly because its impacts are so widespread: in Wisconsin in 2020, there were approximately 110,900 individuals 65 or older living with Alzheimer’s. In 2021, there were 2,371 deaths attributed to the disease.
When cuts to the NIH’s budget and research grants were announced, jeopardizing millions meant for Alzheimer’s research being conducted right here in Wisconsin, I was flabbergasted. I understand that cuts to research dollars may seem frivolous when the majority of folks are worried about everyday expenses, but investing in this research is important. Not only does it save lives – it lowers costs of living as well.
To care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s is both painful and expensive. In fact, Alzheimer’s is more costly to care for than other diseases. In 2021, dementia caregivers were forced to cover twice the amount of out-of-pocket costs than other caregivers. In 2024, there was a total of $924 million in Medicaid payments for Wisconsinites aged 65 or older living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. That’s an increase of 18.9 percent from the amount recorded in 2020, and that number is expected to grow as the population continues to age.
Alzheimer’s care is also time intensive, and those who can’t afford professional care for an elderly parent or other loved one are forced to work fewer hours or leave the workforce completely in order to look after them. In 2023 there were 205,000 caregivers in the state who performed 297 million hours of unpaid care, amounting to over $5.5 million in unpaid labor.
Aging is inevitable, and the illnesses that come along with it aren’t going to be magically cured anytime soon. That’s why the search for efficient, cost-effective treatments is so important, and it’s what makes the recent NIH cuts so devastating. Wisconsinites across the board are the ones who will pay if we do not continue to fund the essential, groundbreaking research taking place in labs within this very state.
To that end, I urge you to make your voice heard. Contact your representatives in Washington and tell them to speak up against these cuts for the good of our people and communities.
