Senate Appropriations Committee Approves $100 Million Increase for Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Funding at NIH

Strategic Insights -

The Alzheimer's Association and its advocacy affiliate, Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), have been advocating for increased research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to combat Alzheimer's and dementia. Their efforts have yielded significant results, with the Senate Appropriations Committee approving a $100 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding for the 2026 fiscal year. This decision brings the total annual funding to $3.9 billion, marking a significant advancement in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $100 million increase for Alzheimer's and dementia research funding at the NIH for the 2026 fiscal year, bringing total annual funding to $3.9 billion.
  • Alzheimer's Association and AIM advocates have held hundreds of meetings with elected officials, sharing their personal stories of how Alzheimer's has affected them and urging them to increase research funding at the NIH.
  • The funding bill includes $41.5 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fund the Healthy Brain Initiative and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act.
  • Alzheimer's researchers are providing new insight into the many factors impacting brain health, including the importance of lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and cardiovascular wellness.
  • The Alzheimer's Association and AIM will work with Congress to ensure the strongest possible investment in Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH and the dementia public health infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • $3.9 billion: Total annual funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • $100 million: Increase in funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research at the NIH for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • 1,100: Number of advocates from all 50 states who attended the AIM Advocacy Forum in June to meet with their elected officials.
  • 2026: Fiscal year in which the increased funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research will be implemented.
  • 41.5 million: Amount of funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fund the Healthy Brain Initiative and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act.

Sources:

  • Alzheimer's Association
  • Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025 (AAIC 2025)
  • Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM)
  • Press Release: "Senate Appropriations Committee Approves $100 Million Increase for Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Funding at NIH" (July 31, 2023)
  • "BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act" ( Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in December 2018)