Hillary Clinton announced on Tuesday, Dec. 22, her plans of boosting government research funding to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease by the year 2025. The slate of proposals is said to impact American taxpayers, particularly the wealthier ones.
The Plan
Part of the plan is to dedicate $2 billion per year for 10 years to Alzheimer's research. The amount is four times higher than last year's budget of $586 million and according to a research council advisory, it can possibly create a cure for the disease come 2025.
Clinton said the best scientists tell us that a chance to move toward the path of Alzheimer's cure is within reach. With this, patients and families may be freed of the burden that the crippling disease creates for them every single day.
"My plan will set us on that course," she said.
Clinton's campaign said that the Democratic presidential candidate has already collaborated with top scientists to set the funding goal for the next 10 years. Two of these researchers, Dr. Rudolph Tanzi from Harvard Medical School and Robert Egge from Alzheimer's Impact Movement, accompanied Clinton's spokesperson Brian Fallon on a conference call.
The two researchers said the proposed budget will allow scientists to study genes in such a way that they can determine whether or not a patient is at risk of Alzheimer's in the coming years.
Tax Implications
The major blow of Clinton's proposal will be upon American taxpayers. The new plan will be paid for by tax reforms and other savings.
Republicans said Clinton is among those who keep on mentioning costly government programs, but does not specify how exactly she plans to do it.
Clinton's presidential campaign appears to be centered on middle class Americans. On Saturday, she was the only one in a Democratic debate to pledge against raising taxes on middle-class citizens. She also proposed that middle-class families caring for sick members be eligible for tax cuts.
Bipartisan Support
Senator Mark Warner commended Clinton's move. He said that his mother died of Alzheimer's in 2010 after suffering from the disease for 11 years. He applauds and shares Clinton's focus.
Even Republican Newt Gingrich, who once favored Bill Clinton's impeachment, offered praises to Hillary's plan.
I often disagree with @HillaryClinton but on #Alzheimers she is moving in the right direction. https://t.co/OFCw89xlZz
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) December 22, 2015
The Burden of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible brain impairment that slowly disables individuals to perform even the most basic daily tasks. The disorder cripples more than 5 million Americans and is said to be the sixth leading cause of mortality in the country.
Approximately 15 percent of middle-aged individuals are providing financial and caring support for their aging parents, on top of nourishing their growing children. With added aid to Alzheimer's research, the so-called "sandwich generation" may be relieved of the burden somehow.
Clinton said efforts to raise research investments and subsequently improve scientific findings are all offered to the people who dedicate their time for their loved ones debilitated by the disease.
