During the 20^th annual global Brain Awareness Week, Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, has introduced H.R. 1468 – the Global Brain Health Act of 2015—to increase research on prevention and treatment of autism, hydrocephalus, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

    Smith is joined by Representatives Chaka Fattah (D-PA) and Maxine Waters (D-CA), who are cosponsoring the bill.

    According to Autism Speaks, approximately 67 million individuals worldwide are affected by autism. The Hydrocephalus Association estimates that there are approximately 200,000 cases of congenital hydrocephalus among infants worldwide each year. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, more than 44 million people worldwide are suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, a figure that will expand to more than 75 million people by 2030 and more than 115 million people by 2050 if the current trajectory of the disease remains unchanged.

     “These brain disorders are increasingly prevalent in the United States and worldwide. They have been difficult health issues to address in the United States and other developed countries, but in the developing world, they pose a looming crisis that can no longer be ignored,” Smith said.  “Too often, people with these conditions and their families in developing countries are either unable to afford interventions or find no solutions at all to address the conditions.”

      H.R. 1468 would encourage the building of treatment capacity for these brain disorders among caregivers in developing countries and support increased international cooperation in research and implementation of strategies on prevention and treatment. These actions also would benefit those with these disorders here in the United States.
 

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