The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) presented its National Leadership Award to Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) on April 6 in recognition of his commitment to focus the nation’s attention on the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and to find solutions through both research and care.

    AFA also presented its National Leadership Award to Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA). Both Congressmen are co-founders and co-chairmen of the Alzheimer's Congressional Task Force, which currently has over 190 Members and Senators. 

    Commenting on the award, Smith said: "Our country needs a comprehensive approach for identifying and then treating current Alzheimer's patients, as well researching potential cures to reduce the number of those who will struggle with this disease in the future. I have been working with similarly minded colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this agenda, and I am deeply grateful for the important work that organizations like the Alzheimer's Foundation of America are performing in this effort."

    The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on “together for care…in addition to cure” for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families, and unites several hundred member and associate member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on services. For more information, the organization can be reached toll-free at: 866-AFA-8484 or online here.

    During the current session of Congress, Smith has authored the "Ronald Reagan Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act," (HR 1262), which would double funding for Alzheimer's research at the National Institutes of Health.

    "The bipartisan legislation we are working to pass on Capitol Hill attacks the problem of Alzheimer’s disease on every front” said Smith, who has successfully authored legislation in the past to provide better federal benefits for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

    “In addition to launching an all out effort to find new ways to delay the onset of the disease and improve treatment, it also includes proposals to improve clinical practice and training for promising gerontologists, enhance patient and provider education, expand innovative state Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs, and increase training for law enforcement officials who interact with dementia-afflicted patients,” Smith said.