The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra recently announced the release of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2023 Update. The plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap outlining strategies and actions aimed at accelerating research, expanding treatments, improving care, supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers, and encouraging action to reduce risk factors.
HHS marked 2023 as a landmark year for advancements in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). A significant achievement was the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) first-time approval of a drug designed to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), marking a major milestone in the battle against this devastating condition.
Following the FDA’s announcement in July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a free, online registry. This platform allows clinicians nationwide to submit data on clinical diagnosis and adverse events for patients in AD’s early stages. This registry not only facilitates Medicare-covered treatment for patients but also contributes to collective knowledge about who is more or less likely to benefit from these drugs. In another progressive step, CMS lifted the previous limit of one PET beta-amyloid scan per lifetime in October.
“HHS is committed to supporting people suffering from Alzheimer’s and their loved ones,” said Secretary Becerra. “2023 was a landmark year, and we are proud of the dedication that has helped us take steps towards better understanding and tackling this cruel disease.”
In efforts to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, CMS unveiled the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model in July. This demonstration program aims to reduce the strain on unpaid caregivers, help individuals remain in their homes and communities, and provide a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services.
The National Plan outlines six ambitious goals: Prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias by 2025; enhance care quality and efficiency; expand supports for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and their families; enhance public awareness and engagement; improve data to track progress; and accelerate action to promote healthy aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.
With over six million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related type of dementia, and projections suggesting that the number will more than double by 2060 due to population aging, dementia is increasingly recognized as a major public health issue and a significant challenge for the healthcare system.
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