Higgins announces House passage of Alzheimer's research bill

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, announced the passage of S.2076, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. The measure passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 361-3.

Higgins is a cosponsor of the House version of the bill. The BOLD Act had previously passed the Senate by voice vote on Dec. 12. It now awaits the president’s signature.

The BOLD Act amends the 1944 Public Health Service Act to expand activities related to Alzheimer’s treatments and research under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program. The legislation directs the CDC to award grants and other assistance to organizations in support of Alzheimer’s awareness and research.

The bill also directs the CDC to establish Alzheimer’s Centers of Excellence, which will allow centers to increase education for public health officials about the disease, provide technical assistance to public health departments, and more.

According to the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s – 400,000 of whom live in New York.

Higgins is a longtime advocate for increased support for Alzheimer’s research and treatments. He is a member of the congressional Alzheimer’s task force, has often taken to the Floor of the House in recognition of Alzheimer’s Month and in support of action. He is a cosponsor of the HOPE Act, the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act, and other legislation.