Bowling Green Today

On Tuesday evening, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health, addressed the House of Representatives regarding his bill, H.R. 7218, the Building our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act of 2024. The bill passed the House unanimously.

Guthrie remarked: “I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 7218, the Building our Largest Dementia, or BOLD, Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act of 2024."

He highlighted that nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is projected to increase to 12.7 million. "This means that over 10 percent of people over aged 65 have Alzheimer’s," he said, adding that "1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia."

Guthrie noted the financial burden associated with Alzheimer's disease: "The cost of this disease is also tremendous, with health and long-term care costs projected to reach $360 billion in 2024."

The BOLD Reauthorization Act aims to continue research into Alzheimer's Disease and invest in caregiver support services. This includes providing more hands-on educational resources for caregivers and supporting local efforts to detect and diagnose Alzheimer's Disease earlier, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities.

"The more we know about this disease," Guthrie stated, "the sooner we will be able to appropriately treat it, giving patients more precious time with their loved ones and easing the significant caregiver burdens associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementias."

He concluded by expressing optimism for future advancements: "I look forward to continued progress in ushering in a new era of innovation. I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill. Thank you and I yield back.”